21st 



N. Y. INF. VOL. 



BUFFALO'S - First Rest. 






Library OF Congress. I 



Shelf. 



MX 



)UN1TED STATES OF AMERICA.; 





(L^^/^ 9-^y2/^r/^^ 



CHRONICLES 



Twenty-First Regiment 



NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTHEKS, 

(tmbacing ;i |iill f istcnr of tin gcgimciit, 

FROM THE ENROLLING OF THE FIRST VOLUNTEER IN BUFFALO, 

APRIL 15, 1861, TO THE FINAL MUSTERING 

OUT, MAY iS, 1863. 

INCLUDING A COPY OF MUSTEK UUT ROLLS OK FIELD AND STAFF, AND EACH COMPANY. 



BY J. HARRISON MILLS, 



A DISABLED SOLDIER OF THE REGIMENT. 



BUFFALO : 

Re- Published by the 2Ist Reg't Veteran Association of Buffalo, 
BY Permission of the Author. 

1887. 



9947 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, 

BY J. HARRISON MILLS. 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern District of New York. 






PRINTED BY 

GIES & CO.. PRINTERS AND BOOKMAKERS, 

BUFFALO, N. Y. 




CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

News of the Fall of Sumter, and how it was Received. — War Meeting at the Old Court 
House. ^The Volunteer Rolls Opened. — Organization and Departure of the first 
four Companies.— The 74th Regiment Prepare for the Field. — Their Efforts, 
Trials, and Final Disappointment, in having their Marching Orders Counter- 
manded. — Six Volunteer Companies are Formed from their Ranks, and Ordered 
to Elmira. — Their departure from Buffalo 11 

CHAPTER n 

Organization of the Regiment, and Election of Field and Staff Officers. — The 
Companies move from their Temporary (Quarters to Barracks No. 4. — Description 
of the Camp, and some Accounts of our Fare and Usage Generally. — How 
Volunteers should be Treated.- — Routine of a day in Camp. — A Midnight Alarm. 
— Our First Hard March. ^ — Good-bye to Elmira, and Hurrah for Dixie ... 71 

CHAPTER III. 

From Elmira to Washington. — A Glimpse of Affairs at the Seat of Government. — Go 
into Camp at Kalorama. — The Spring. — Midnight Alarm again. — Capture of a 
Spy. — The Adjutant Outflanked. — A Viper Scotched. — First Pay-day. — Life in 
Camp, and how we take it. — A Lesson Concerning Entrenchments. — Marching 
Orders. — -Rumors and Anticipations. — We Celebrate the Fourth. — Our Old 
Arms are Exchanged for New 83 

CHAPTER IV. 

We Cross the Potomac. — Fort Runyon. — An Advance of the Army. — The Fight at 
Bull Run. — What we saw at Fort Runyon, the day after. — The Defence of 
Wa.shington. — An Interval of Quiet. — Strengthening our Position. — The 20th 
of August, and what Occurred. — Fort Jackson. — The Advance. — Camp 
Buffalo.— Picket Duty 88 I 

CHAPTER V. 

The Advance on Upton's Hill. — Our New Camp. — We are to Build a Fort. — All 
Afloat. — Fort Buffalo Finished. — " All Quiet on the Potomac." — A Black day 
in our Calendar. — The Funeral of Egbert Wallace. — The Grand Review of 
November 20th.— A Rush for Glory. — Thanksgiving Day in Camp. — Picket 
Duty. — A Midnight Alarm, and the Porkers Routed. — Lying in " Anguish." — , 

A Review by Governor Morgan. — A New Camp and Winter Quarters — , 

Another Disappointment. — A Sham Battle. — Foraging.— Merry Christmas. — We 
close our Account with the year 1861, and Strike a Balance Sheet .... 117 



CHAPTER VI. 

New Year's Day in Camp. — A Reverie. — Order of the Day. — The Weatlier During 
January and February. — Mud. — Camp Duty. — Drills. — Target Practice. — Pay- 
day again. — The Allotment Act — Kindness of the Citizens of Buffalo. — The 
Lady Visitors in Camp. — Washington's Birthday. — A Hurricane — Preparations 
for an Advance I39 

CHAPTER VH. 

Camp Misery, alias Camp Disappointment. — Cold, Wet and Hungry. — McClellnn 
Embarks for the Peninsula and we are left behind. — Arrival of (Jeneral 
Patrick. — Snow and Rain. — Clears up. — "On to Richmond" again. — Three 
days' March. — Bristow. — More Snow and Rain. — "Eternal Vigilance" and no 
fires allowed on Post. — Foraging. — Bushwhackers Around. — " Forward, 
March!" 154 

CHAPTER VHI. 

We reach Falmouth April 19th. — Skirmish of the Ira Harris Cavalry. — We Camp 
"Over against the City." — The Situation. — Contrabands in Camp. — The 
Woman in Black.— A bit of Romance. — General Wadsworlh's Visit. — Removal 
of our Camp. — A Terrestrial Paradise. — Another Removal and a Night 
Alarm. — Death of Garrett B. Lock wood. — We cross the River. — Hazel Dell 
and Horse Heaven. — In line of Battle. — Picket Duty. — More Rain . . . 164 

CHAPTER IX. 

Arrival of the President and Secretary of War. — A Review. — McClellan' Call for 
Aid. — "The Capitol must be Protected." — General McDowell's Instructions. — 
On to Richmond. — Massaponax. — A Delay. — The. Battle of Hanover Court 
House, to P.ffect a Junction between the two Armies, is Countered by Jackson 
on our Right. — A Countermarch, Described by " Bould Soger." — The Second 
Day's March. — Making Coffee. — Elk Run. — Defeat of Banks. — From Catlett's 
to Markham Station, by Rail, and the Return March 183 

CHAPTER X. 

Camp " Rufus King." — Jackson's Escape. — McClellan's Change of Base. — Pope 
Assumes Command. — July 4th, 1862. — "Sargeant Delaney, do you mane 
that?" — Our last Church Service at " Rufus King." — We cross the River for 
the third time. — A Successful Raid. — Company " C " has a Fight. — Preparations 
for an Advance.— Recapitulation 196 

CPIAPTER XI. 

Again " On the March." — Pope's "Order No. 5." — The Ravages of War. — Battle 
of Cedar Mountain. — Too Late, as Usual. — A Battle Field the day after. — We 
Encamp upon the Mountain. — Wailing for Orders again. — Dismal Rumors. — 
The Balance Trembles : Fate Decides against Us, and " Up we go." — The 
Storm Gathers. — Night, and the " Retreat " begins 211 



CHAPTER XII. 

A Wearv March.-Night,and a Halt.-No Postponement on Account of the Weather _ 

iBehind the Rappahannock.-The Buffalo at Bay.-Battle of the 2. st of 
August.-Gnarding Fords by Night.-A Demoralized Contraband.-Marchjo 
Warrenton 

CHAPTER XIH. 

To Sulphur Springs.-.The" Flying Dutchman," and his Work^A Rebel ^-^^^^ 
Presents Arms to Our General.-The Ball Opens.-Sku-mishers to the Front- 
The "Twenty-Onesters" Develop a Capacity for "Keeping a Hotel. - 
Outflanked by Night.-Forced march to Gainesville.- The Battle of August 
28th.-Jackson Repulsed.-Too Weak to Risk another Trial, we fall back^to 
Manassas by Night -^ 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Commencement of the Second Battle of Bull Run, August 29th -March from 
Manassas Junction to the Dogan House.-Fighting in the Dark.-' Fnend or 
Foe"-A Bivouac among the Dead.-" The Red Morning" of the 30th.- 
Grim Array of Battle.-The Tide begins its Flow.-Our Position.-" Prepare 
to Charge."-" Twenty-First! /v;-«W.'"-" The Gates of Hell!"-lhe 
Tide Ijegins to Ebb.— Defeats and Darkness end the Day 253 

CHAPTER XV. 

After the Battle.-The Fight at Chantilly.-" My Maryland."-March to South 
Mountain.-Death of Captain Hayward.-Battle of South Mountain, Septem- 
ber 14th 1862.-A Victory and its Cost.-The Rebel Rout.-Appearanceof the 
Field -Pursuit of the Enemy.-He is Overtaken at Antietam and we again 

... 268 
Prepare for Battle 

CHAPTER XVI. 

After the Battle -The Corn Field.-On the Move again.-The Battle of Antietam.- 
Our Killed and Wounded—Burying the Dead.-Captain Noyes' Description 

. . 287 
of the Field 

CHAPTER XVII. 

An Interval of Ouiet.-Letter from Chaplain Robie.-Sabbath Services.-General 
Patrick -The Hospitals of the Potomac.-The Sanitary Commission.-More 
Letters.-General Patrick Assigned for Duty at Headquarters and Succeeded 
by General Paul.— Preparations to Advance 3°! 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

On the March again.-" Pound Sterling."-The Rigors of the Fall Campaign- 
Crampton's Gap.-Bloomfield.-The Enemy just in Advance.--We reach 
Warrenton.-General McClellan Relieved of His Command and Succeeded 
by General Burnside.— Consequent Feeling in the Army 31 1 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Our tliiid Marcli to Fredericksburg. — Death of Surgeon Wilcox. — The Weather 
becomes Cold, with Snow. — Rigors of the March. — Preparing for the Fight. — 
The Battle of Fredericksburg 318 

CHAPTER XX. 

Our Army Retires to the Potomac. — New Year's in Camp. — We Move to Acquia 
Creek. — Are Transferred to the Command of General Patrick, Provost Marshal 
General. — Winter (Quarters. — New Dutie.';. — Preparing to Muster (3ut. — 
Homeioard Bound 332 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The Excitement in Buffalo. — Action of the Common Council. — a Vote of Thanks. — 
The Journey Home. — Preparations for the Reception. — Order of the Procession. 
— Arrival of the Train. — The Tumult of Welcome. — Our Progress through the 
Streets. — Honors to Lieuteuant Mulligan. — Mr. Beckwith's Speech. — Colonel 
Rogers' Reply. — Return of the Old Flag to the Central School by the 
Colonel. — Response Ijy Miss Julia E Paddock. — The Collation 341 



AIT'ENDIX. 
Containing Muster Out Roll of each Company of the Regiment, 349 



/ 



CHRONICLES 



Twenty-First Regiment 



NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEERS. 



^ PREFACE. 

that the part taken m the war of the rebelhon by those 
organizations which went out from our midst should be 
preserved with all the interesting details which accom- 
panied the march, the bivouac and the battle. 

The Buffalo Twenty-first Regiment Veteran Associ- 
ation therefore determined to print a second edition of 
" The Chronicles." The permission of the author was 
promptly and gracefully granted. Though printed in 
different and less expensive form, the matter has not in 
any essential degree been changed. 





PR eface. 

N edition of " Thr- ri • , 

Ue • '""''' °'' "'^ Twenty-first 

L Rejr,n,ent, New York State V I 

'-^''■='-^1 by the author d.r.W '"""^■" ^'''■^ 

-''>'on was issued ' ''" ""'+ ^he 

^ issued in numbers anr] . 

°f the con,p,ete work are no ^°™'-'-«'-'y ^w 

vvurK are now extant 

'«-»»».., J ::"■"'' -^ ■* """- 
--..-*.>»J:;::,;:::r»« 

'I'Story the oart . I , ™' "^^«^^« of 

y. part taken by organizations rise in ' 

ance to their members rl. , ™P°"- 

The h- . ^<=-^-"dants and friends, 

Jhe history of this regiment i. 
°f--cityandwhi,eitscr '""°'''^'''"°'-^ 

-■'-clbyiocaihist ''"'''^^''^^"-"^'- 

''-"„,stor,ans,,tisofparamon„timportance 



CHRONICLES 



OF THE 



Twenty- First Regiment 

N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS. 



ordered to Elmira.-Their departure from Buffalo. 

ON the same page of our morning papers with the report of 
the surrender of Sumter, on that portentous 13th ot April, 
and heading the first column, appeared the following call : 
ATTENTION ! ATTENTION ! ! 

A public meeting will be held at the old Court House this (Monday) evening, at 
7 V, o'cLk, for the purpose of instituting movements for the organization of a force 
of minute men, who will hold themselves in readiness to proceed to serve in defence^ 
of the State or National Government forthwith. 
Buffalo, April 15th, 1861. 

Not until another generation shall have risen : not until another 
long interval of peace and prosperity shall have made war a legend 
of ?he past,- the theme of frosty veterans, who, by the winter fire- 
side will prate to eager listeners of the bloody days of the great 
Rebellion,- can any aggression or any wrong to our nationality 
cause the hot tide of the nation's blood to rise, with such an impulse 
as that which swelled every vein at the news of Sumter s downfall. 



12 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Not that we were totally unprepared for the blow, for the news 
Irom the South had, like the menacing murmurs of a coming storm, 
prepared us for the worst. Yet all hoped that it still might be 
averted ; and even when at last the foul plot reached its cul- 
minating point in that dastardly attack, we were loth to credit the 
woful tidings. But as conviction forced itself even upon the most 
incredulous, how many hearts that never felt before how they loved 
that flag, beat high with martial ardor. Old men thought bitterly 
of their rusted blades and palsied limbs. Those who were fit for 
the field unconsciously assumed a martial bearing, drew stern lines 
in their faces, and talked of naught but preparations for the coming 
struggle. Mothers looked tearfully upon their eager boys, and 
sadly blessed and bade them go if needed, and fair girls, with smiles 
such as urged knights of old, called chivalry to the aid of patriotism. 
Every-day avocations were neglected. The hammer no longer 
clinked upon the anvil, the smith was studying the last extra, and 
the baker was allowing his last batch to burn, while he held forth 
to a group of excited friends at the corner of the street. The 
printers alone were busy, and edition after edition was eagerly 
bought up by the crowds besieging the newspaper offices, while 
screaming newsboys, like heralds, proclaimed the latest tidings 
through the streets. 

Early on that Monday evening an excited crowd began to 
collect, and long before the hour appointed for the meeting the old 
Court House was filled to overflowing. Says the Express : " The 
turnout was tremendous in numbers, exceeding every expectation, 
and actually embarassing the movement for which it was sum- 
moned, by the unmanageability of the multitude." Finally the 
meeting was called to order, and the Hon. Eli Cook unanimously 
chosen as Chairman. Taking his place, he made a short address, 
declaring that "the time for discussion has passed, that it no longer 
becomes any citizen to question who is responsible for the dangers 
that threaten the Union, or what policy would have served best to 
avert the calamity of civil war." He said that an actual rebellion 
was to be met and suppressed. A Government defied by traitors, 
the Union menaced, our insulted flag, all demand forgetfulness of 
party differences, and a common rising of the people to the support 
of the Union and its Government. He begged that by-gones might 
be by-gones, and that every one in whose heart glowed a single 
spark of* patriotism, would stand forth for the defence of the con- 



TWENTY- FIRST REGIMENT. 1 3 

stitutional authorities, vindicate the Government, suppress the 
rebellion, overthrow and punish treason, whatever the cost, and 
however tremendous the exertion required might be. 

After an interval of stormy applause, the roll was called for, but 
so great was the pressure of the crowd that it was clear nothing 
could be done without effecting an adjournment to some more 
commodious place. Accordingly it was announced that the roll 
would be opened at Kremlin Hall, where all who desired to volun- 
teer were requested to assemble. That place proving to be alike 
incapable of accommodating the rush of eager patriots, no alterna- 
tive was left but to meet in the open air. Accordingly the crowd 
were directed to gather in front of the American Hotel. There, 
from the balcony, the assembled thousands were addressed by a 
number of speakers. Gen. Scroggs being called upon, explained 
the conditions under which those who should enroll themselves 
would enter the service of the Government. " The term for enlist- 
ment would not exceed three months, all wOuld enter the ranks up- 
on an equ^il footing, as the organization of companies and regiments 
would be perfected by electing the officers, each volunteer receiving 
the same pay and rations as if in the regular service." 

Dr. Hunt, who had been elected Secretary of the meeting, was 
next called upon, and after a stirring and effective speech, was fol- 
lowed by Mr. Cook, in response to a call, F. J. Fithian, Lyman B. 
Smith, John E. McMahon, and C. S. Macomber, who each spoke 
briefly and to the same stirring effect, declaring that "in the present 
exigency of the Government, party lines must be covered, and the 
loyal people of the Union rally as a unit to the support of its 
authorities." 

Dr. Hunt then announced that the roll prepared for the occasion 
had been sent to the old Court House, where all who desired to 
enter their names were requested to proceed, and the meeting was 
declared adjourned. 

Almost the entire mass rushed to the Court House, which was 
instantly full, thousands waiting outside, and so great was the pres- 
sure that but few even of those who gained an entrance could reach 
the table, consequently only about one hundred names were taken 
down, and those with the utmost difficulty. The following is a copy 
of the preamble, with the names enrolled on that occasion : 

Whereas, The standard of Rebellion has been raised, and war 
waged against the Government of the United States : 



14 



CHRONICLES OF THE 



A7id Whereas, The President, by his proclamation, has called 
upon the loyal and true men of the country to rally in defence of 
the Government, and for the enforcement of the laws, therefore, we, 
the undersigned, residents of the City of Buffalo, County of Erie, 
and State of New York, do hereby severally enroll ourselves as 
volunteers, to serve as a military force in defence of the integrity 
of our State and National Government, and of the honor of our 
glorious flag. 

We will hold ourselves in readiness to march whenever re- 
quired. We will serve for the term of three months, unless sooner 
discharged in consequence of peace being restored to the country. 

As such volunteers, we pledge ourselves to abide by the laws 
and regulations for the government of the military force of the 
State of New York ; and, until a formal organization is attained, 
according to law, temporary commanding officers shall be chosen, as 
necessity may require. 



John Norris, 
Aug. Schuester, 
a. kollins, 
Chas. R. Peterson, 
Chas. Wadsworth, 
John Nicholson, 
John L. Curtenius, 
Henry McKann, Jr., 
E. S. Nash, ' 
Joseph V. Tuttle, 
Geo. W. Foote, 

G. GlELSDORF, 

A. McGacliant, 
W. H. Fargo, 
Geo. B. Channing, 
Joseph Richardson, 
Wm. H. Field, 
Frank Sweigle, 
Henry Romaine, 
J. Cunningham, 
John Carrigan, 
Jas. Kennedy, 
J. Admond, 
John H. Stokes, 
Wm. M. Sloan, 
Edward Donahue, 
Fred. Hanes, 
Henry Flanagan, 



Wm. Laverack, 

F. J. FiTHIAN, 

Chas. Herrold, 
Wm. Tole, 
David Hepkin, 
H. W. Henderson, 
John B. Sewell, 
C. Harland, 
Wm. Bishop, 
E. L. Hayward, 
L. Hoffman, 
John Geo. Temipfel, 
Jas. Hamilton, 
Sanford B. Hunt, 
Joseph F. Negus, 
Wm. McKay, 
Wm. R. Dudehue, 
Adam Bergman, 
R. H. Maynard, 
John H. Mills, 
Samuel B. Hard, 
John Dean, 
Herman Bull, 
W. H. Drew, 
Wm. Dorsheimer, 
John Druson, 
H. D. Perry, 
Egbert Shepherd, 



G. A. Scroggs, 
J. H. Blake, 
R. P. Gardner, 

C. H. Willis, 
Ph. Koil, 
Jas. Hanson, 
E. E. Hazard, 
Warren B. Gibus, 
H. G. Thomas, 

D. L. Aberdein, 
John Weiglis, 
Chas. W. Holden, 
Chas. Reese, 
Henry Klein, 
John PIarrison, 
Peter Speis, 
Jacob Schinck, 
S.\MUEL Bunting, 
James Stewart, 
Julius Buvinkle, 

L P. DeCabellero^ 
Chas. H.ayhold, 
H. M. Johnson, 
John Howcutt, 
W. H. Williamson, 
Wm. Grandison, 
Watkins Williams, 
W. G. Maxee, 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



15 



E. NORRIS, 

James Simon, 
Charles Benzino, 
Charles Ewers, 
James Ash, 



JuH^f Lloyd, 
Charles M. Bennett, 
J. E. Ransom, 
John Lemmon. 
Julius Wirth, 



Erhardt Schleecher, F. F. Lotridge, 



S. G. Sullivan, 
Archibald Johnson, 
Levi Vallier, 
Fred. Somers, 
John M. Layton, 
Philip ]>lich. 



During the forenoon of the i6th, the following names were 
added • 

Augustus N. Gillett 
Frank A. Lotridge, 
Chas. E. Clark, 
J. M. Estabrook, 
G. W. Hawkins, 
James Dove, 
r. M. OsTis, 
E. Van Sicklen, 
Henry Knoedel, 
Rheinhardt Geiler, 



H. C. Blanchard, 
Wm. O. Brown, Jr., 
John Langinhardir, 
Wm. T. Henry, 
Peter Scaus, 
Henry Hoefer, 
Emil Westphai.l, 
L. H. Briggs, 
Fred. Smith, 
John Bower, 



John N. Peabody, 
Conrad WUgner, 
Marlborough Wells, 
Fred. R. Minery, Jr., 
Justin Bamat, 
Henry Zink, 
John Ginther, 
c. e. lockwood, 
Harding Newcomb, 
Joseph Water, M. D. 



On the evening of the i6th a second meeting of those who had 
volunteered, was held in the chambers of the Court House. We 
subjoin the report of the Express : 

" In the absence of the President, Dr. Hunt, Secretary of the 
meeting of Monday night, presided. 

"After an explanation, by Gen. Scroggs, of the extremely 
liberal terms of the new military act, the roll was called, the list 
corrected, and a number of new names added. 

" After debate, in which Capt. Rogers, F.J. Fithian, Mr. Drew, 
and others, participated, it was resolved to embody one hundred of 
those already enlisted, into the first company of the proposed 
regiment, and Gen. G. A. Scroggs was unanimously chosen tem- 
porary Commandant, to drill the company. 

" Gen. Scroggs returned thanks and accepted the duty. He 
announced that meetings for drills would be immediately appointed. 

" Pursuant to motion, the Chair appointed Messrs. Fithian, 
Dorsheimer, Hayward, Vallier and Scroggs, as a Board of Man- 
agers to establish drill rooms and attend to necessary details. 

"The meeting, though largely drawn upon by the great public 
demonstration at the Theatre, was full, earnest, and enthusiastic." 

On the 1 8th, Gen. Scroggs called a meeting of the volunteers, 
to be held at the recruiting rooms in the Arcade Block, for the pur- 
pose of organizing the first company. 



l6 CHRONICLES OF THE 

About one hundred and forty of those enrolled answered to 
their names ; and after the roll had been properly arranged, they 
proceeded to choose their officers. The following were unanimously 
elected : 

Wm. H. Drew — Captain. 
R. P. Gardner- — ist Lieutenant. 
E. R. P. Shurley — 2d Lieutenant. 
Levi Valmer — Orderly Sergeant. 

The result of each ballot was greeted with hearty cheers, 
responded to by the officers in words of acknowledgement, and 
pledges of their best efforts to promote the good cause in which 
they had embarked. 

The company thus formed (afterwards known as " A " ) im- 
mediately began to prepare for service, drilling every day in the 
Court Street Market, under Lieut. Gardner, — a veteran who had 
seen service in Nicaraugua, — and the rapidity with which they 
acquired the rudiments of a soldier's education, was a subject of 
admiring remark. 

Meantime, recruiting at the Arcade office (327 Main street) 
went on cheeringly. Neither were the old military organizations 
idle. Expecting to be called among the three months' troops, the 
74th and 65th Regiments of State Militia opened recruiting offices 
for the purpose of filling up their ranks for the field. 

On the 19th, Gen. Randall, of the Eighth Division, — of which 
these regiments formed a part, — received the following message : 

Albany, April 19th, 1861. 
Major-Cleneral Randall, Eighth Division : 

What force could you furnish from your Division on forty-eight hours' notice ? 

J. M. reid, Jr., 

Adjiita>7i- General. 

Gen. Randall at once telegraphed to all the regiments in his 
Division. Col. Forbes, of the 68th, (Fredonia,) replied: "I can 
furnish two hundred and fifty men. Send on your orders." Col. 
Abbott, of the 67th, was in town, and also reported two hundred 
and fifty men ready for duty. The 74th and 65th could each muster 
from two hundred to three hundred men. Col. Lansing, Division 
Inspector, went to Albany on the same night to report to the 
Governor, and obtain a few days' further time in which to prepare. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. I7 

At noon of the next day, Gen. Randall received from Albany 
the following dispatch : 

Alhany, April 20th, 1S61. 
General Randall : 

I have said to the Adjutant-General, that Cols. Fox and Forbes would furnish 
two hundred and fifty men each; Col. Krettner two hundred men; Col. Abbott one 
hundred and fifty, on three days' notice, under old organization. The plan of the 
Government is to employ the existing militia first and use the volunteers to relieve 
them. The United States. Government has telegraphed the Governor not to send 
them any more troops at present. The Colonels mentioned herein should make 
every effort to fill up their regiments. They will all be wanted. 

H. L. LANSING. 

On Saturday, the 20th day of April, Capt. Adrian R. Root 
opened the recruiting office of tlie 74th in Dudley Hall, the pro- 
prietor kindly offering the premises for the purpose. Lieuts. Stern- 
berg and Doyle were authorized to raise recruits for Co. " A." " B," 
Capt. Gaylord ; " C," Capt. Rogers ; " D," Capt. Bidwell, and " F," 
Capt. Clinton, were already full, and "E" was fast attaining its 
needed number. At the same time the 65th began recruiting in the 
Vollmer Block. Nearly every company drilled in the forenoon and 
evening, and everything seemed favorable to the speedy availability, 
and departure for the field, of the two regiments. 

Knowing that many of those who wished to volunteer must 
leave families dependent upon their pay alone for a living, the 
citizens of Buffalo had already devised a plan for their relief, and 
for several days a subscription had been circulating among those 
who were better able to serve their country in that way, indirectly, 
than to fight. Up to Monday this fund, for the benefit of the families 
of volunteers, had reached twelve thousand dollars ; and on Mon- 
day, the 22d of April, the Common Council followed up the generous 
gift with an appropriation of fifty thousand dollars for the same 
purpose, to be consolidated with the subscription fund, under the 
control of a joint committee, and to be known as the Fu7id for the 
Defence of the Federal Union. At the same time the caption of 
the old subscription list was altered to read as follows : 

"The undersigned severally agree to pay the sums set opposite 
our names, to the Joint Committee of the Common Council and 
citizens of Buffalo, to constitute a fund for the support of the families 
of members of volunteer and other military companies of Buffalo, 
during their term of service respectively, and for such similar pur- 
poses as may be approved by such committee, or by a vote of a 



iS CHRONICLES OF THE 

quorum thereof; it being intended that such committee shall give 
aid to such volunteers and others from the date of enrollment until 
mustered into service, in such form and to such extent as they shall 
deem proper and expedient." 

Up to May gth, the sum of twenty-seven thousand five hundred 
and seventy-five dollars had been subscribed to the fund by our 
free-hearted citizens. 

The roll at the volunteer recruiting office in the Arcade having 
been increased by the addition of a sufficient number, the officers 
in charge proceeded on the 22d of April to organize three additional 
companies. The officers were elected by ballot, as follows : 

2cl Co. — John M. Layton — Captain. 

Augustus N. Git.lett — ist Lieutenant. 
John Nicholson — 2d Lieutenant. 

3d Co. — E. L. Hayward — Captain, 

Samuel Wilkeson — ist Lieutenant. 
Hugh Johnson — 2d Lieutenant. 

4th Co. — Horace G. Thomas — Captain. 

Abbot C. Calkins — ist Lieutenant. 
Wm. O. Brown, Jr. — 2d Lieutenant. 

On the 30th,f (April,) Capt. Drew's Co. was accepted by the 
Governor. All other companies were to be accepted as soon as 
their muster-rolls were full, and they had been inspected. 

Accordingly, Capts. Layton, Hayward and Thomas, completed 
their rolls on the same day, and forwarded them to Albany. As 
the date of their organization was the same, the question of seniority 
was afterwards decided by lot in favor of Capt. Thomas, Capt. 
Hayward being next. 

These companies were quartered at the Niagara Market while 
awaiting their orders, Capt. Drew, as senior officer, having charge 
of the station. A fifth company, under Capt. Strong, 'not yet full, 
occupied the cotton factory, otherwise known as the Heywood 
Armory. 

The first four companies, having been inspected by Gen. 
Scroggs, and accepted by the Governor, were ordered to leave 
Buffalo for Elmira on Friday, May 3d. The subjoined report of 
their departure is from the Morning Express of the 4th : 

"The departure of the volunteers yesterday aftevnoon was a 
scene worth witnessing. Co. * E,' Capt. Strong, was mustered at 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. I9 

the ' Heywood Armory,' and acted as military police on the line of 
march, and at the depot. This company is made up of stalwart 
men, is already accepted, and will be off" in a day or two. It is 
officered by gentlemen of high character. 

" The Union Continentals, Ex-President Fillmore in command, 
turned out as escort. Their appearance was magnificent. Made 
up of the tall men of the older race, their appearance dignified and 
honored the scene. Mr. Fillmore was made for a field marshal. 
We heard dozens of men say that their hearts never so warmed to 
him as yesterday, when he led the Union Continentals down Main 
street. 

" The line of march was formed on Court street, at the Armory. 
It passed up Court to Niagara street, thence by Court to Main, 
down Main to Scott, along Scott street to Michigan, and thence to 
the Buffalo, N. Y. & Erie depot, entering on Exchange street. All 
along the route an immense multitude was gathered, and flags 
flaunted from the buildings. The stores of Hamlin & Mendsen, 
Sherman & Barnes, and Howard & Whitcomb, v, ^re conspicuously 
dressed out in the Red, White and Blue. 

INCIDENTS OF THE MARCH. 

" The line was formed with the Union Cornet Band in advance, 
the Union Continentals as escort, the Volunteers, and citizens. At 
Niagara Square an immense concourse was gathered opposite a 
platform near the Central School, where the Regimental Flag was 
to be presented. The Continentals passed and halted on Court 
street, while the Volunteers formed by companies in front of the 
stand. 

" On the stand were thirty-four young ladies of the Central 
School, dressed in Red, White and Blue, the Principal, Mr. Arey, 
the School Superintendent, Gen. Scroggs, and Capt. Drew. 

" On the part of the School, the address of presentation was 
delivered by one of the pupils, Miss Julia Paddock, in the following 
admirably conceived and expressed 

ORATION. 

" The hour we have so long expected has at last arrived. Our 
country calls for brave men, true men, men who will stand by their 
principles. — men who will defend the right — to come forward and 
vindicate her cause. We feel proud that Buffalo has responded so 



20 CHRONICLES OF THE 

nobly to the call. The ranks of volunteers before us prove that the 
' Queen of the Lakes ' is not devoid of that patriotism which 
strengthens the heart and arm to deeds worthy of the spirit of '76. 
We, the scholars of the Central School, present this flag to you as 
a testimonial of our love of country, and admiration of all acting 
patriots. We feel assured that you will stand by the glorious old 
flag of our forefathers; that you will defend the stars and stripes, 
though it cost you your heart's blood. In the thickest of the fray, 
look up to this banner and think of the many hopes that centre in 
your action — of the many prayers hourly offered up for your cause 
— then do your duty as men and patriots, and may God speed ye 
and the right." 

" Her elocution was remarkably good and was fully appreciated 
and loudly cheered by the rough soldiers before her. 

" Capt. Drew, Co. ' A,' accepted the flag, and the speech of 
acknowledgement was made by Gen. G. A. Scroggs, in an address 
of eloquent patriotism, graceful and appropriate to the stirring 
occasion. Dr. Hunt also spoke briefly, and the ' Star Spangled 
Banner ' was splendidly sung by the thirty-four young lady repre- 
sentatives of the school, led by Mr. Vining. The concluding 
chorus was sung by the crowd with terrific energy. During all the 
speeches the order of the occasion was only interrupted by the 
irrepressible cheers of the volunteers and crowd. 

"The flag is the offering of the Central School to the volun- 
teers. It is an army regulation flag, strict in its proportions, made 
of the richest silk, and the staff elegantly surmounted by a golden 
eagle, supporting bullion cords and tassels. 

' The column down Main street was increased by the accession 
of Eagle Hose 2, and Taylor Hose i, to the procession, which was, 
as stated above, led by Mr. Fillmore. Flags and handkerchiefs 
waved, cheerful ' good-bye's ' were exchanged, and the whole scene 
was one of the most exciting ever witnessed in our streets. 

" Arrived at the depot, the procession opened ranks, and the 
Volunteers passed through, taking their places in the cars in an 
orderly and systematic manner. There were many leave-takings, 
many ' God bless you's,' many tears and many cheers ; but through 
all, the prevading feeling was one of hearty and cheerful enthusiasm. 
The hose companies singled out their members, and we saw Capts. 
Thomas and Hayward, and Lieuts. Gillett and Gardner, treated to 
a tossing in the air as a fireman's farewell greeting. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT 21 



" So went off the Volunteers, leaving sad hearts behnul them 
as all partings do ; but destined, we hope and believe, to honor and 
sanctify the families they represent and the city whose children they 
are by courage on the field, endurance in the camp, and patriotism 
everywhere. God bring them back to us with honor unstained, and 
heroism vindicated ! If otherwise, let them never come at all ! 



At this time the members of the 74th were in a terribly used 
up condition of disappointment and chagrin, although etiorts were 
beino- made to recover the ground lost while waiting for the three 
month's call, by re-organizing upon the same footing with the Vol- 
unteers To explain the necessity of this movement, we will turn 
back to what followed Inspector Lansing's report, per telegragh, to 
Gen. Randall, from Albany. 

Every effort was immediately made to place the command upon 
a war footing, and on April 23d, Gen. Randall, accompanied by 
Hon E G Spaulding, went to Albany, with the object of obtaining, 
if possible, an order for the Regiment to move without re-organiz- 
ing in conformity with the new law, which made the term of service 
two years instead of three months, except in cases where regiments 
equipped and armed themselves. _ 

On the evening of the 24th, the following dispatch was received 

by Col. Fox : 

Ai.hany, April 24th, 1861. 

Col. Fox : 

Your Regiment is ordered to leave Buffalo for Elmira one week from to-day. 

Col. KreUner is expected to be wanted soon after. 

NELSON RANDALL. 

We were drilling in the Arsenal when the above was received. 
Lieut Alberger, of ''D," bolted in with the news, and when the 
boys heard it they went half crazy with delight. The hall shook 
with their cheers, and every cap went up to the roof. Alter the 
tantalizing delays and harassing rumors of the past two weeks, the 
news seemed too good to be believed. And so it was. 

The great difficulty now was the procuring of uniforms, only a 
pnrt of the regiment having uniforms, and those only intended for 
parade, and unfit for the field. As the command must, to come 
under the Congressional provision for three months' men, uniform 



22 CHRONICLES OF THE 

and equip itself, the Common Council came generously to the 
rescue with an appropriation of thirty-five thousand dollars for that 
purpose. 

On his return, Gen. Randall issued the following- order : 

HEAn(^UAKTERS EIGHTH DIVISION, N. Y. S. M. 

April 25th, 1861. 
Special Order No. i. 

The MajorGeneral hereby promulgates the following special order from the 
Commander-in-Chief : 

General Headquarters, State of New York, 
Adjutant-General's Office, 

Albany, April 24th, i86r. 
Special Order No. 85. 

Major-General Nelson Randall, commanding Eighth Division, N. Y. S. M., is 
hereby ordered to detail the 74th Regiment, Col. Watson A. Fox, to proceed on 
Wednesday, the first day of May, 1861, to Elmira. 

Col. Fox will report, on his arrival in Elmira, to Brigadier-General R. B. Van 
Valkenburgh, in charge of the Depot for Volunteers, for further instructions. 

Major-General Randall is further directed to provide means for transportation. 
By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 

J. MEREDITH REID, Jr., 

Adjutant- General. 

In pursuance of such special orders, the 74th Regiment, N. Y. S. M., Col. Wat- 
son A. Fox, commanding, is hereby detatched and detailed for special service, and 
ordered to proceed to Elmira on Wednesday, the 1st day of May next, and report as 
directed. Col. Fox will issue the necessary orders for the assembling of his regiment 
and the full execution of this order. 

By order of Major-General Randall. 

HENRY L. LANSING, 

Division Inspector. 

The regiment was now nearly ready for the field. Nearly all 
of the old members were anxious to go for the three months, and 
there were many who could not absent themselves, from various 
reasons, for a longer term, and the balance of the required number 
had been made up from the best material by enlistments. The 
uniforms had been ordered, upon the appropriation made for that 
purpose by the Common Council, and were being manufactured in 
New York. It was understood that we were to receive them on 
our arrival at Elmira. 

The citizens of Buffalo nobly seconded the efforts being made 
to comfortably equip the men. In fact, they took the lead, — and 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 23 

when did the ladies of our city ever miss such an opportunity of 
demonstrating" their devotion to the cause ? 

Meetings were called at various places, and the work taken up 
with a will, and soon, from their fair hands, came such donations of 
needful articles, — from the complete outfit of underclothing, down 
to the little keepsake "housewife," — as plainly showed their 
" Dorcas-like " determination to " do what they could." And then 
their smiles and kind words — God bless them — went straight to a 
fellow's heart, and did more good than scores of patriotic speeches 
from men, who, too often, like the trumpeter of yEsopian fame, were 
fond of setting others on, but did not care about going themselves. 
The Rev. Dr. Heacock — a noble exception to the last men- 
tioned class — volunteered and was commissioned as chaplain of the 
74th. The Express, in announcing his appointment, says : " In 
him all the fire of zeal is tempered with the gentle, loving spirit of 
the Christian, and for once we have the right man in the right 
place." 

On Monday, April 20th, Col. Fox, in pursuance of orders already 
published, issued the necessary orders for the assembling of the 
regiment on the first day of May, to proceed to Elmira. On the 
same day, Co. " A " was mustered into the service, under the follow- 
ing officers : 

Adrian R. Root — Captain. 

C. W. Sternberg — ist Lieutenant. 

Peter C. Doyle — 2d Lieutenant. 

But in the midst of the general rejoicing and jubilant prepara- 
tions for departure, came like a thunder-clap the disheartening news 
that our orders were countermanded: Gov. Morgan having received 
orders from the Secretary of War to send no more troops at 
present. The following is the order of countermand, received on 
the morning before our expected departure : 

Headquarters Eighth Division, N. Y. S. M. 
April 30th, 1861. 
Special Order No. 4. 

L The Major-General has received and promulgates the following special 
orders of the Commander-in-Chief : 

General Headquarters, State of New York, 
Ai)JUTant-Gf:neral's Office, 

Albany, April aSth, 1861. 
Special Order No. 105. 

Information having been received from the President of the United States that 
no further requisition for troops from this State will be made at present, Special 



24 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Orders No. 85, directing the 74th Regiment, N. Y. S. M., to proceed to Elmira, are 
hereby countermanded. 

Major-General Nel.son Randall is charged with the duty of promulgating this 
order. 

By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 

J. MEREDITH REID, Jr., 

Adjutant- General. 

II. In pursuance of these orders of the Commander-in-Chief, Special Order 
No. I, directing the 74th Regiment to proceed to Elmira on Wednesday, May ist, 
1861, is hereby countermanded, and Col. Watson A. Fox is hereby charged with the 
duty of promulgating this order. 

By order of Major-General Randall. 

HENRY L. LANSING, 

Division Inspector. 

Headquarters 74TH Regiment, N. Y. S. M. 
Buffalo, April 3oih, 1861. 
Order No. 2. 

In pursuance of Special Order No. 4, from Division Headquarters, Order No. 
I, directing the departure of the Regiment for Elmira on the 1st of May, is hereby 
countermanded, in consecjuence of the Secretary of War directing the Commander- 
in-Chief to send forward no more troops from this State at present. 

The Colonel promulgates this order with deep mortification. He is aware of 
the many sacrifices which the patriotic men who compose his command have made 
for the purpose of entering the service of their country to put down the formidable 
rebellion against the Government, but he expresses the hope that the day is not far 
distant when their services may be required, and exhorts them to bear with patience 
the disappointment, and show themselves to be true soldiers, by still further exertions 
to render the 74th in the future, as in the past, ready to take the field when the order 
to march is received, and which he daily expects will be issued. 

The officers and men will assemble at the State Arsenal on Wednesday, the 1st 
day of May, at 3 o'clock, P. M., precisely. Companies A, B, C and D will ai)pear 
on parade with muskets. 

By order of 

W. A. FOX, Colonel. 

G. W. Johnson, Adjutant. 

In countermanding their orders, the Governor directed the 
Regiment to complete its uniform and equipments, and hold itself 
in readiness for further orders, with the assurance that on the first 
further call the 74th should be put into active service. But that 
assurance was but a trifling mitigation of the disappointment, 
especially as it was becoming evident to all that the policy of the 
Government was to strengthen and render more effective its regular 
army, and increase it by volunteers enlisted for a prolonged term 
of service. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 25 

The last day of April was a sad one for the balked and befooled 
74th. Loud and deep were the maledictions vented upon whatever 
could be imagined responsible for the delay, and upon " red tape " 
in particular. Frightfully woe-begone and elongated were the faces 
of the groups to be seen holding councils of war at the street cor- 
ners ; and if by chance one caught a word of the conference, it was 
likely to be anything but favorable to an opinion of the speaker's 
piety. Some, their feelings too deep for utterance, retired to their 
homes, to avoid the queries or banter of troublesome friends, and 
confide to sympathizing mothers and sisters the burden of their 
woes. One, a private in Co. D, as brave a boy as ever drew steel,* 
went home, sat down, and burst into tears, and his only and sufficient 
reply to the tender inquiries of his sisters as to the cause of his 
emotion, was, " IVe aiiit going T Almost while I write come tidings 
of his bravery on a late and desperately fought field, where he led 
his regiment to the charge in the face of fearful odds. But " Old 
Comfort" (his familiar cognomeyi among "the boys") will never 
forget the difficulties he experienced in getting into actual service. 

Still, earnest and determined, and not to be thwarted, a large 
proportion of officers and men, despairing of an opportunity to 
serve in the way they had chosen, determined to leave the old 
organization, and offer themselves for the longer term. The move- 
ment was begun at once. The same afternoon Co. " F," under Capt. 
George DeWitt Clinton, was formally inspected, and the oath 
administered by the Captain. 

The taking of the oath was an occasion of much solemnity. 
After it had been administered, the Captain stated the circumstances 
under which the 74th had been recruited, ordered and counter- 
manded, and saying that with himself it was a question of duty, he 
had determined to telegraph to Governor Morgan that the company 
would enlist for the term of their natural lives, or for the war. He 
asked those willing to join him in that determination to raise their 
hands Of the eighty-five men present, all but three responded 
affirmatively in an instant. The three remaining hesitated, but 
decided finally for the unconditional enlistment. 

Capt. Clinton immediately made out a new muster roll, and his 
company signed it, to a man, and Lieut. T. B. Wright immediately 
left with it for Albany, with a request to be accepted as two year's 

* Geo. M. Love, now Colonel of the ii6th. 



26 CHRONICLES OF THE 

volunteers. Gov. Morgan immediately acceded, issued an order for 
inspection, and encouraged the other companies to do likewise. 

On the evening of May ist, a committee, consisting of Gen. 
Randall, Col. Fox, Major Fithian, Mr. Spaulding, Judge Hall and 
Mr. Prosser, left for Albany, to complete arrangements for the arm- 
ing and uniforming of the 74th, in compliance with the following 
dispatch, received during the afternoon : 

Albany, April 20th, 1861. 
Major F. J. Fithian — Sir: The 74th will be the first regiment of the present 
uniformed force mustered into tlie service of the United States Government; but 
none must go until they have been organized, armed, equipped and provided with 
camp equipage. 

Your obedient servant, 

J. MEREDITH REID, Jr., 

Adjutant- General. 

The mission of these gentlemen was undertaken with the 
expectation of procuring arms and equipments, and preparing the 
command in every requisite for final orders, which the above led 
them to expect soon. 

At noon of the next day a dispatch was received, reporting 
"no progress," and later, one from Col. Fox, directing the Regiment 
to assemble at the Arsenal at 2 p. M. on the 3d, (Friday.) 

At the appointed hour the men assembled in the great drill 
room, but Col. Fox could only announce the failure of the commit- 
tee to accomplish anything, although the Governor had recom- 
mended that the organization be maintained in readiness for a future 
call. This evidently was the choice of a majority of the officers, 
and a proposed re-organization upon the new system did not meet 
with full approbation; although one entire company — joined in the 
demonstration by large majorities of the others — agreed to the 
proposal with loud acclamations. The general choice seemed in 
favor of immediate action, and all were impatient of further delay. 
Rightly judging that the movement only required a start in the 
proper direction by recognized authority, to induce the wavering to 
follow. Major Fithian came out in a handbill, calling upon the men 
to meet at Dudley Hall on the morning of the 4th, and volunteer. 

Accordingly, on Saturday morning, Capts. Alberger, Gaylord and 
Sternberg, and Lieut. Doyle opened their rolls at the Hall. Capt. 
Clinton established his quarters there on the same day, his men 
sleeping there and taking their meals at the Western Hotel. Mr. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 27 

Dudley furnished sleeping room, Mr. Charles G. Irish provided 
mattresses, and the City, through the fund for that purpose, provided 
blankets and rations. 

During the day Capts. Rogers and Gaylord filled up their 
companies. Capt. Alberger's roll was completed on Sunday, and 
that evening Capt. Gaylord and Lieuts. Wheeler and Canfield went 
to Albany with the rolls. Capt. Lee's company, " G," recruited at 
the Arcade station, being also full, sent their roll at the same time, 
and on Monday, May 6th, were inspected by Gen. Scroggs, and 
mustered into the service. Capt. Sternberg having dissolved his 
company in order to fill up the others, immediately opened a 
new roll. 

On Tuesday, May yth, Company " C," Capt. Rogers; " E," 
Capt. Strong, and " F," Capt. Clinton, were mustered in. Capt. 
Strong's had been organized as a cavalry company, but could not 
be accepted as such. 

On Wednesday, May 8th, Company " B," Capt. Gaylord, and 
"D," Capt. Alberger, were inspected and mustered into service, and 
the same evening Mayor Alberger went to Albany, with the purpose 
of obtaining, if possible, immediate marching orders for the six 
companies to proceed to the rendezvous at Elmira : and also to urge 
upon the State military authorities the purchase from the Joint 
Committee of the uniforms and other equipments originally intended 
for the 74th, and their assignment to the use of the Buffalo Volun- 
teer Regiment. 

On Thursday, dispatches received from the Mayor, at Albany, 
and from Major Fithian, at Elmira, resulted in orders from Gen. 
Scroggs to march on Saturday. Major Fithian telegraphed, by 
request of Gen. Van Valkenburgh, that the Buffalo companies must 
not arrive until Sunday morning at Elmira, it being impossible to 
provide quarters for them before that time. 

The following is from the Express : 

" The demonstration Saturday afternoon, upon the departure 
for Elmira of the six final companies of the Buftalo Regiment of 
Volunteers, was in some respects the grandest and most thrilling 
ever witnessed in our city. The whole population seemed to unite 
in such a testimonial of pride and grateful affection, as could not 
fail to gladden the otherwise heavy hearts of the noble and gallant 
fellows who bade adieu to their homes and friends, and went forth 
to become the soldiers of their country, the defenders of the Stars 



28 CHRONICLES OF THE 

and Stripes, the upholders and guarantors of the glorious Union 
and its Government. All who belong to Buffalo seemed to have 
come out to swell the triumph of the occasion, and the mighty con- 
course of people which surrounded and cheered the volunteers in 
their march through the city, was one which it would be utterly 
futile to attempt to estimate in numbers. 

" Never before have we seen the streets so gay and pageant- 
like. Flags by the thousand were flung from roofs and windows, 
while the national tri-colors hung and floated in great festoons of 
bunting from cornice to cornice along the store fronts of our noble 
main avenue. But these decorations were nothing compared with 
the display of fair faces, which clustered in every looking-place 
along the street, and the gala look of the city was due in greater 
part to fluttering ribbons than to waving banners. The scene was 
one to be spoken of proudly and exultingly, but not to be described. 
• " At 3 o'clock the procession of the departing volunteers and 
their escort was formed on Niagara Square, in the presence of an 
immense assemblage of spectators. The volunteer companies were 
formed as follows : 

" Captain Strong's Company. 
" Captain Clinton's Company. 
" Captain Roger's Company. 
" Captain Lee's Company. 
" Captain Alberger's Company. 
" Captain Gaylord's Company. 

" The ranks of the six companies were full, and their force 
amounted to nearly five hundred men. The escort was composed 
of the Union Continentals, -under Ex-President Fillmore; the Citi- 
zens' Reserve Corps, E. Drew, Commandant; the Tigers, J. F. 
Ernst, Commandant ; the 74th Regiment, Col. W. A. Fox ; Eagle 
Hose Company, Neptune Hose Company, and Excelsior Hose 
Company. 

" The volunteers were ununiformed, with the exception of Capt. 
Clinton's Company, which wore red shirts and glazed caps, looking 
very finely. The general appearance of the companies was admir- 
able. The material of which several of them are composed, is the 
very best American society can furnish for war purposes, including, 
as they do, the high spirited, educated, and intelligent young men 
of every class, — from the professions, from the merchant's desk, the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 29 

mechanic's shop, and the household of the farm. Mingled witli 
these better orders, are some of ruder and rougher character ; but 
even of such will the discipline of the camp and the stern tutoring 
of war make gallant soldiers and noble men. 

RAISING THE FLAG AT THE FIRST CHURCH. 

" A little before 4 o'clock the line was set in motion, and the 
procession moved through Court and Main streets to the First 
Presbyterian Church, where it halted to witness the ceremony of 
raising a flag upon a staff erected above the cupola of the church. 
A platform had been raised near the street, in front of the church, 
which was occupied by the Glee Club, several clergymen, and the 
Hon. E. G. Spaulding. The church square, and all the broad streets 
surrounding, were filled with a multidude of people beyond compu- 
tation, while the house-tops and windows swarmed with lookers-on. 
The spectacle which the living mass presented at this time was 
inconceivably grand. 

"With little delay, the flag was raised from the ground to its 
lofty peak by Gen. Scroggs, and as it reached the summit and was 
unfurled, at least twenty thousand people joined in three wild 
cheers, deafening and almost terrific in their mighty volume. At 
the same instant another flag was hoisted from the roof of John C. 
Jewett's store, on the opposite side of Main street, and another 
round of cheers was given to this. The chimes of St. Paul's rang 
out the national air, and the clamor of bells and voices was for 
several moments bewildering. 

"When the clamor had somewhat subsided, Mr. Vining and the 
Glee Club sang the 'Star Spangled Banner,' after which Hon. E. G. 
Spaulding introduced the Rev. Dr. Clarke, who addressed the 
assemblage and the Volunteers as follows : 

" 'The flag of our fathers ! The flag of freedom ! The flag of 
the Union ! Long may it wave ! Over all our churches, and masts, 
and dock-yards, and navies : over our armies, as they go forth to 
righteous battle, or return shouting their peans of victory : over all 
the States of the loyal and happy North : over all the sections of the 
misguided and seditious South, recovered quickly to reason, or if that 
be impossible, subjected speedily to the stern rule of law : over all 
the States and Territories of this great country may the flag of the 
Union continue to wave, and be hailed in coming centuries as we 
hail it to-day, the badge of brotherhood, the emblem of peace ! 



30 CHRONICLES OF THE 

" 'I have been requested, fellow citizens, to say a few words at 
this time, in connection with the ceremony we have just seen per- 
formed, — the ceremony of raising the flag of our country on the 
spire of this ancient and honored church. 

" ' We raise this signal, that we may give expression to a senti- 
ment that palpitates in every patriotic heart. This flag, with its 
stripes and stars, is the symbol of certain great ideas which the 
circumstances of our times commands us to re-affirm with every 
possible note of emphasis and approbation. What these ideas are 
I shall indicate in a few words. 

" ' Previous to the declaration of American independence, there 
had been two, and practically no more than two, radical theories of 
government. In one it was held that the State might administer 
law in a way to suppress and annihilate liberty. In the other it was 
maintained that the rulers should so encourage liberty as to displace 
and extinguish law. But it is clear that a government which 
administers law in a way to stifle liberty must soon end in despotism. 
On the other hand, a nation that so favors liberty as to set aside the 
force of law, takes the road to certain anarchy and speedy dissolu- 
tion. For six thousand years the nations have been vibrating back 
and forth between these two extremes, swinging now into despotism 
through the excess of law, and now into anarchy through an abuse 
and an over allowance of freedom. 

" ' Our fathers had the wisdom to avoid the mistake of the 
ancients, and to frame the two conflicting ideas into a harmonious 
Union — constructing thus a new form of government, the fruit of 
all the centuries past, the model of all the ages to come. They set 
up a Constitution in which, for the first time in the history of the 
world, it was made the express object of Law to regulate Liberty, 
and the one object of Liberty to conform to Law. Law constraining 
and conserving Liberty — Liberty inhabitating and obeying Law — 
the State the sanctuary of freedom, because it is also the citadel of 
Law. This is the fundamental idea of our American Government. 
And it is this idea inscribed upon our national flag, which makes it 
an ensign of hope to all the nations. 

" ' Look at that floating signal as its folds embrace and kiss the 
spire of the sanctuary. They are stars that stud that azure space 
— stars, not meteors, nor fire-works, nor comets with their burning 
trail. Stars have their common centre round which they all revolve, 
to which they together cling, from which no single sphere breaks 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 3I 

loose, except to plunge into the eternal darkness, and be lost in the 
everlasting abyss. There is not a seceder among all the myriad 
stars that stud the heavens. According to the Constitution of the 
American Government, the States are stars, keeping. their orbits and 
clinging to their centre. Had our forefathers thought otherwise, 
they would have decked their flag with different emblems. 

" ' For more than half a century, American Law has been the 
safeguard of American Liberty, so that wherever the Stars and 
Stripes have gone, whether to China or Japan, or the islands of the 
sea, or the continents of the frozen zone, the flag of our country has 
been hailed as a symbol of gladness and an omen of good. 

" ' But the seceding States, infected with the barbarism which 
they enslave and foster, have madly disowned the Constitution and 
divorced American Liberty from American Law. And that is the 
reason that we lift up, upon the spires of our churches and the roofs 
of our dwellings, and along our thoroughfares, and on the masts of 
our ships, this symbol of law embracing liberty, and liberty obeying 
law — an honored American flag. We desire to proclaim upon all 
the winds, and to publish to all beholders, our solemn conviction that 
Law must regulate Liberty, and when Liberty refuses or revolts. Law 
must enforce her demands and reclaim the offender. 

" ' Soldiers, citizens, brethren mustered in these ranks, and 
about to go forth to do battle for your country, this is the cause 
which we commit to you to defend. The American Government 
has been disowned, and liberty snatched from the embrace of law. 
You go forth in the name of law to uphold order and suppress 
rebellion. That is a noble mission. Be worthy of the cause for 
which you so willingly do service. Be yourselves law-abiding, law- 
loving men. Yield to no temptation, practice no iniquity, remember 
that the cause in which you have enlisted is too sacred to permit 
any thing that dishonors a man. Go to your high duties, bearing 
the spirit of heroes, fall like Christians. And may God Almighty, 
Father, Son, and Sanctiher, bless you, and bring you to His eternal 
abode, in the Great Day.' 

" A. M. Clapp, Esq., was then introduced to the multitude, and 
addressed it briefly. He said it was fitting that the departure of the 
Volunteers should be signalized by the interesting ceremony of 
raising the flag of our country over the first Christian church estab- 
lished in our city. It was appropriate and interesting to see the 



32 CHRONICLES OF THE 

spires of the temples where God is worshiped, adorned by the 
Stars and Stripes — ^it told of a living patriotism which inspired to 
action, and would secure great results to the cause of the country 
in the hour of. its peril. The prayers of those who worshiped 
beneath the ensign of the Union would follow those who went forth 
in its defence, and that God who is just, and who hears and answers 
prayer, would follow those brave volunteers with His blessing, prov- 
ing to them, as to His children of old when in peril, a pillar of cloud 
by day, and of fire by night, to guide them through their trials in 
safety. He then referred to the sudden awakening of the patriotic 
devotion of the people of the Free, and of a portion of the Slave 
States, which marks this crisis in our national aflairs, and said it 
could be ascribed alone to a deep sense of the wrong and insult 
which had been heaped by treason upon the cause of the Govern- 
ment, and the honor of its flag. That spirit of our fathers, which 
inspired them to deeds of valor at Bunker Hill and Lexington, was 
now arousing the people of the free North and North-West, to an 
action so determined, in behalf of a cause so just, that omnipotence 
alone can defeat its success, and prevent an ultimate triumph. 

" He then addressed the volunteers briefly, and spoke in com- 
mendation of their patriotic devotion to the country when its dignity, 
and honor are assailed. He implored them to stand by their flag, 
and, if fall they must, let them do so with their faces to the foe. He 
said he had no doubt of their valor or of their loyalty, and with 
such defenders, the cause of Republic freedom must prevail. He 
said, though they would soon be far removed from home and the 
associations of families and friends, they must recollect — -and let 
that recollection buoy them up in the hour of their severest trials — 
that they are embalmed in the affections of those who are left 
behind. The hearts of this multitude would follow them, and the 
prayers of wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters, would follow them 
and the cause they now go forth to defend. The parting adieu was 
not without its pangs, but the glory that awaits our noble army will 
promptly apply its solace, and bring joy where sadness now exists. 
This display in honor of the departure of these noble men, was as 
merited as it was magnificent, and must bring to the sad heart of 
the patriot who turns his back upon home and kindred ties, a ray 
of joy tliat will cheer and nerve him in the hour of his departure. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 33 

THE MARCH. 

" At the conclusion of the speaking', three tremendous cheers 
were given for the departing- volunteers, and the procession moved 
onward. The march down Main street was an ovation, and a sight 
to be remembered. The cortege itself was almost swallowed up in 
the tide that moved with it, filling the street with a compact mass of 
people, extending nearly as far as could be seen. Cheers and shouts 
mingled in a continuous roar with the music of the bands accom- 
panying the escort. Handkerchiefs were waved from the windows 
by thousands of fair* hands, and bouquets were numerously thrown 
to the volunteers. Altogether, the scene was perhaps the most 
impressive and memorable that Buffalo has ever witnessed. 

" Nothing in the spectacle was so moving — nothing so vividly 
realized to our minds the nature of the occasion, as the sight of 
women marching by the side of the ranks, clinging to the arms of 
their husbands and brothers and sons. It told the whole story. 
Any stranger might have known from it the meaning of the event, 
and understood that soldiers were going forth to war. 

^ THE PARTING AT THE DEPOT. 

"We can not bear to undertake any description of the scene 
that we witnessed at the depot, during the few moments that elapsed 
between the arrival of the volunteers there and the starting of the 
cars that bore them away. Let us be spared the recital of what 
made every heart ache among those present at t^^e sorrowful part- 
ing. There were more tears than women shed, — more than had 
fallen from the hundreds of reddened eyes that strained after the 
departing train. Many a brave fellow, whose heart will grow strong 
in the face of danger, felt choaked by the uprising emotion, and 
looked the ' good-by's' he could not speak, through tear-dimmed 
eyes. 

" And so they went a,way, God bless them ! and may every one 
come back to us laureled with valiant deeds and crowned with 
victory !" 

"do, watch the foremost rank, in danger's dark career, 

Be sure the hand most daring there, has wiped away a tear." 

" All aboard ! Stand clear !" A creak, a sudden jerk, and 
then, amid " good-by's " and " God-bless-you's," drowned in the roar 



34 CHRONICLES OF THE 

of the music and the artillery and the cheering; crowd, amid linger- 
ingly clasped hands and last looks at dim faces we might never see 
again, the train began to withdraw from the crowd. Slowly, as if 
loth to bear away its burden of farewells ; as if conscious that every 
heart among the departing felt the first agonizing strain of those 
ties, never separated by distance or dangers, but only the stronger 
for both. 

We leave the multitude behind. The cheers grow fainter. 
Every one endeavors to hide the emotion which no one sees, and 
all are very busy in replying to the cheers of the little knots gathered 
in the outskirts of the town. At last there are no more of these ; 
we are in the open country. 

Back there, in the glow of the setting sun, the focus of many a 
lingering gaze, and rapidly becoming indistinct in the hazy distance, 
until we see only its spires pointing heavenward, with the sheen of 
the sunset like a glory upon them, often to be dreamed of as we see 
her in this last moment, lies the Oueen City. 

Farewell, dear, happy homes ! May we return as proudly as 
we leave you sorrowful ! But, for many who now gaze as for the 
last time, those spires are an omen. As we rush on into tl\,e twilight 
they point to another world. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



35 



CHAPTER II 



, • CI.- }A o„^ cifaft- Ofricers— The Companies move Irom 

organisation of the Regiment, and ^ --" "^'^ ''^j,'^ J^^.^f ^the Camp, and some acconnt of 

their temporary quarters ^ «--^^; ,^^ ;„;^^^;:;"l\e treated.-Routine of a day in 



Dixie. 



,r^N the ,3.h day of May, .861, the officers of the Buffalo 
( ) volunteer companies at Elmira proceeded to organize a 
raiment, and to elect their field officers. The result was as follows . 

William F. Rogers— Colonel. 
Adrian R. Root— Lieut. Colonel. 
William H. Drew— Major. 

Col Rogers made a few very appropriate remarks, on the 
announcement that he had been elected Colonel by a --'---^;°;^^ 
He said he would strive to do his whole ^^V'^^^^ ^l 
Rep-iment be called to active service upon the field of battle, lie 
woSde^eavor to prove himself worthy of the confidence reposed 
in him bv his brother officers. , iv/f • 

Cant. William C. Alberger, of ■' D ' Co., was elected Ma,o , 
but woSld not accept the position until he had consulted h,s men^ 
Going to their quarters, he called the company to attenfon^ and 
sakl " Boys, they want me to be the Major of this Regiment. 1 
le've you to decide for me. Shall I take the posmon. or remaur 

"'*irtL close of the Captain's announcement, the anxious faces 
that were pulled at its commencement, «ere shortened considerably 
H !f course the boys were selfish enough to shout w,th one 
:cco,:i ■ St y ! ay r 'And when the Captain bowed and smih.d h.s 
assent 'such a cheer as burst from them, might fitly have acknowl- 
edeed he receipt of a major's comnrission for every ™an <>f them ; 
and they could not have seemed much happier had that indeed been 



the case 



36 CHRONICLES OF THE 

The Colonel matle the following' selections as his staff officers, 
which met the hearty approval of the entire regiment, and tested 
as they have been in camp and field, we have found that approval 
to have been well placed : 

Chester W. Sternf.krg — Adjutant. 
Henry P. Clinton — Quartermaster. 
Charles H. Wilcox — Surgeon. 
JosEi'H A. Peters — Surgeon's Mate. 
George M. Love — Sergeant Major. 
Peter C. Doyle — Quartermaster Sergeant. 

At this time the companies were quartered temporarily in town. 
They were rather promiscuously distributed as follows: "C" 
Company occupied the Episcopal Church. Pews were turned into 
bunks, and even the pulpit did duty as a dormitory, being occupied 
by the sergeants. In honor of their old captain, who had been taken 
from them to fill the highest position in the regiment, they called 
their quarters "Camp Rogers." "B" Company, Capt. Gaylord, 
had a loft over a store on Water street. " F," Capt. Clinton, had 
another over the Mansion House; while " D," Capt. Alberger, gar- 
risoned still another over Ely's Hall, and the Hall itself contained 
five more companies. 

On the evening of the 14th of May, Gen. Van Valkenburgh 
having completed the preparation of barracks, we marched out and 
took possession of ours. The following letter, which appeared in 
the Morning Express for May 17th, dated the 15th, and signed 
" H," will give a good idea of the locality in which we passed our 
initiatory month. 

" Last night six companies were marched out to the new bar- 
racks near the race grounds ; a place which, for its natural beauty 
and adaptation to the purposes of a camp, deserves description. 
Take it as I saw it this morning. A walk of a mile and a half out 
the pleasant Water street, brought me to the camp. A broad and 
level meadow stretched along the road. At its rear was a range of 
twenty company barracks. Beyond was the river, fringed with elms 
and willows, and sparkling in the sunshine of the lovely morning, 
and still beyond rose precipitously the bold hills, clad in evergreens. 
As if in contrast with its warlike purposes, the whole out-look of the 
place was one of peace. It was the spot of all others to lounge upon 
a grassy bank in reverie, lulled by the flowing river and fanned by 
the sott air of the mellow morning. It was a place for pastoral 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 37 

associations, lazy meditation, the low of kine and the bleat of flocks, 
or, most of all, for a lover's walk by moonlight. 

" Crossing- the ample parade ground we reached the barracks, 
where Capt. Thomas, and late Lieutenant, but now Captain, Bob. 
Gardner, made us welcome. Each company has a separate build- 
ing, sixteen feet by ninety, and twelve feet high, with a ventilator 
all along the roof On either side are the bunks, fitted with a straw 
bed and blankets. The floor is cleanly swept, the beds made up, a 
stove at the front furnishes sufficient warmth, and there is air, room, 
comfort and cleanliness enough to keep the men in health. In the 
rear are two excellent wells just completed, and by Friday the mess- 
house and kitchen will be finished. All about this camp shows that 
Gen. Van Valkenburg intends it for a permanent institution. It is 
no mere make-shift for the present. 

" In rear of the barracks, the dry and level plateau on which 
they stand, falls down with an easy slope to the water. At the time 
of my visit it was the idle hour after breakfast. Perhaps a hundred 
men lay sunning on the grass, or engagad in pitching quoits, or 
jumping. On the water's edge were some thirty fishermen, after 
chubs, with pin-hooks and twine. The capture of a minnow was an 
achievement received with rounds of applause. On the water was 
a raft, two boys navigating it with great energy from shore to shore. 
Across the water, which is a set-back from the main stream, is a 
peninsula, reached by a good road, on which is a race track a mile 
in length, inclosing a green and beautiful meadow, level as a house 
floor, and admirably adapted for a drill ground. Beyond this is the 
main river, and still beyond, the glorious hills. 

"Aside from its almost peerless beauty of scenery, the camp 
where our Buffalo boys are awaiting orders has peculiar merits. It 
is level, a dry soil, well drained, has pure and abundant water, ample 
opportunities for river bathing, and has parade ground enough for 
ten thousand men. I felt grateful to Gen. Van Valkenburg for the 
good taste and military skill he has displayed in all its arrangements. 
Let Buffalonians rest assured that thefr volunteers are well cared 
for, and with that assurance I end this long epistle " 

Gen. Van Valkenburg' did indeed deserve credit for the care he 
took of the boys, and long afterward, — when the "tack" were 
unusually hard, the bacon rusty, or in the course of our duty we were 
obliged to forego even the barest of comlorts common to the poorest 
at home, — would we remember the good wholesome "grub" and 



38 CHRONICLES OF THE 

the dry, sheltered sleeping places we so little appreciated in Elmira. 
And now began the hard work of a soldier's life. Hitherto we had 
seen only the pleasanter experiences and tinsel outer show of such 
a life. Now we were to know the difference between a street 
parade, — before crowds of admiring friends who were contented to 
take our will to do well for the deed, — -and the long hard drills in 
the heat and dust, necessary to our efficiency as soldiers. This was 
not the work of a day, but as the officers took it up with a will, we 
soon began to show the result of well directed discipline. Many of 
our officers and men were members of old companies in the 74th, 
and of course the degree of proficiency they had acquired during 
their experience in those " crack " organizations was not without its 
effect, apparent as it soon became in the superior manner in which 
our boys went through their exercises. 

But not in those alone consisted the full measure of our proba- 
tionary trials. 

We found that " discipline " meant not only attention to and 
obedience of orders while on drill or duty, but that its requirements 
extended to every moment of our lives as soldiers; that its bounds 
and limits were everywhere placed by the best consideration of our 
interests as a command, and that they must not be overstepped. 

Here was a difficulty with men who, in the whole course of 
their lives, perhaps, had never before been subjected to such super- 
vision. But I am bound to say that upon the whole they submitted 
with a good grace, when they understood the bearing of these 
restrictions on the well being — moral and "sanitary" — of the 
regiment. 

Still it was hard, especially for the wilder spirits, to yield at 
once, and that, too, while in the midst of friends, and while they 
might have so little time to enjoy such surroundings as were ours 
in that happy valley of the Chemung. Who can blame them then 
for uncorking rather recklessly, when opportunity favored that opera- 
tion. Hence the occasional stampedes, when guard lines were no 
longer respected, and the sentinel, if vigilant, found his authority 
set at defiance by some old crony whom — with all his exaggerated 
and recruitish notions of his duty — he could not make up his mind 
to shoot, although he might, for conscience sake, discharge his piece 
(carefully) into the air. 

On these occasions our embryo heroes among the line officers 
often gave chase, generally with an armed squad at their heels, and 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 39 

with prodigious valor beat the vicinity in search of the fugitives. 
Many were the hair-breadth escapes narrated by the latter to their 
admiring comrades upon their return to camp. 

Ten of the twenty barrack buildings at No. 4 were occupied by 
the 24th (Oswego) Regiment, and the mutual friendly feeling enter- 
tained by the two regiments has never diminished. It was the fash- 
ion to comment jokingly upon our fare in general, and compare 
notes as to the respective treatment of the two regiments. For 
instance, a Buffalo boy would approach the guard line between the 
two camps and kindly inquire of some "Oswego " as to "what he 
had for dinner that day." He would probably receive a strictly 
confidential reply — at the top of " Oswego's " voice — to the effect 
that the dinner wasn't very good, for divers reasons, which he would 
proceed to enumerate, and which being neither very delicate nor 
very funny, we won't repeat, excepting the standing joke which 
referred to " rats in the soup," a piece of diabolical invention, well 
calculated to spoil one's appetite, or at least his relish for soup ; and 
which only deserves mention here as furnishing the watchword by 
which the two regiments always hailed each other when they met 
in " Dixie." 

Many were the alternatives resorted to for the relief of the 
tedium of life in garrison, a life which the soldier would at anytime 
gladly exchange for the excitement of a campaign, dreading the 
toils and perils of service in the field much less than the hum-drum 
round of daily duties, spiced with no variety or adventure, which is 
the portion of the soldier in barracks. Our days were passed in 
much the same routine, and when the first charm of novelty had 
worn away, and we began to wonder whe^i we were to be led to the 
field, then it was that the first murmurs were heard among the more 
impatient spirits of the command. They had enlisted, they said, 
" to fight," and not that they might be penned in, hundreds of miles 
away from the sphere of actual warfare, and subject to the strictest 
discipline, " more like convicts than soldiers." 

But all this was pardonable. Your volunteer soldier is apt to 
be something of a grumbler. It is his only liberty, the liberty of 
his tongue, and even that restricted. He grumbles at a host of real 
or fancied grievances, and eases his mind harmlessly, for if you 
know him you know that he means no tithe of what he says. How 
many confirmed grumblers prove in the hour of trial to be the most 
patient and daring of men. 



\ 



40 CHRONICLES OF THE 

And how often has the charge of "demoralization" been cast 
upon a command, with no better foundation than a few hot and hasty 
words heard from the ranks in a moment of dissatisfaction. And 
even when such words are followed by deeds of a like nature, and 
insubordination on the part of a portioyi, why condemn the 7vhole? 
Often there are palliating circumstances, hard, perhaps, to be under- 
stood by the uninitiated, and often suppressed or misrepresented by 
those whose interest or prejudices prompt them to do so. 

Another word for the volunteer. Do not try to break his spirit, 
and bind him forever a slave to discipline. He is a soldier only for 
the time of need, and the free and generous impulses that prompted 
him to seek a place in the ranks of the nation's vindicators, demand 
for him the usage of an ally, not that of a bondman. Why should 
the line that defines rank be so strictly drawn ? Are there not thou- 
sands of men in the ranks who are, in mental endowments and social 
position, the equals — in many cases the superiors — of those whose 
fortune it is to wear the shoulder-strap? Where, then, is thejustice 
of giving to these last a power almost unlimited over the fortunes, 
the very lives, of those? Where thejustice or humanity of giving 
power so unbounded that the most degrading punishments, from 
which there is no appeal, often follow the most trivial offences, aye, 
follow often where there is no offence, except to the pride of some 
petty despot, whose term of brief authority may be forever marked 
by the crushed spirits and ruined hopes of abused, degraded 
manhood. 

We believe that this state of things is destined to change for 
the better, that they are now changing, and never will again obtain 
as in the first year of our war experience. Fighting, Fatigue and 
Famine are great levelers. In the constant front of Death men 
remember that they are but men, all alike to that great inexorable. 
Bullets are great moralists, they are republican, they teach humility, 
they respect no man, they tear a coat of blue broad-cloth as ruth- 
lessly as the blouse of blue woolen that covers the private's breast. 

Pardon this digression, dear reader, and let us return to " the 
thread of our narrative." We v/ere saying that our days were 
passed in monotonous routine. Let us see what it was like. 

At six o'clock in the morning the reveille was beaten on the 
parade ground, and every one turned out of his bunk ; if any were 
lazy, their comrades soon worried them out. Then each company 
fell in line in its own barrack, and the roll was called by the first 



TWENTV-FIRST REGIMENT. 4I 

sergeant, in the presence of a commissioned officer of the company. 
Then the mattresses and blankets were put out to air, a detail for 
pohce duty from each company swept and cleaned the barracks, 
and the grounds around them were put in order. 

At half-past six the surgeon's call was beaten, and a sergeant 
reported to the surgeon with the sick of each company. Some 
were sent to the hospital on stretchers, and those only unlit for duty 
were excused for the day. 

At seven the breakfast call, " peas upon a trencher," was 
sounded and beaten, and the boys " fell in for grub," as they said, 
and were marched down in two files to the mess-house ; the files 
opened, one taking each side of one of the long tables. Right-and- 
left, Face, Uncover, and Fall to, were the words of command, and 
they were promptly executed, especially the fall to. Coffee, with 
milk and sugar, bread, with butter, and cold meat, generally beef, 
comprised the bill of fare. After breakfast the muskets were 
cleaned, belts blacked, and all equipments put in order; then. 

At half-past eight, the "troop" was beaten to assemble the 
guard for inspection, on the parade ground. Guard mounting took 
place at nine, and immediately after every company fell in for cirill. 
Only those were excused who were unwell and reported unfit by 
the surgeon, and the guard of the previous day. The drill lasted 
until noon. 

At twelve, " Roast Beef," the signal for dinner, gladdened the 
ears of all the hungry fellows who had been drilling in the hot sun, 
and they were marched to the tables as in the morning. For dinner 
the bill was : So2ip — nondescript ; generally supposed to be beef, 
although various opinions prevailed. Fish — cod; sometimes, ^^'7/- 
erally, not any. Roast — invisible. Boiled — beef, ham, pork, eggs. 
Vegetables — potatoes "au naturel," which please translate " in their 
jackets." Add to this good bread, and sometimes a pudding of the 
same, and you have as good a dinner as a soldier cares {ox. Alter 
dinner was a roll call, and then, at 1:30 p. m., another drill, which 
lasted until 4:30, after which we were allowed to rest or amuse our- 
selves in camp for half an hour. 

At five the supper call was beaten. Coffee, bread and butter, 
and a stew of dried apples : sometimes milk, with bread, or corn 
vi7isli, furnished forth the meal. And did we grumble? Some- 
times. But verily we saw not as yet the days of " hard-tack " and 
"salt horse " looming in the future. 



42 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Then all prepared for "dress parade." Uniforms, arms and 
accoutrements were made to look as neat and bright as possible ; 
boots and belts were blacked, and at six was beaten the " Retreat," 
the regiment formed in line of battle, with the guard on the left. 

Our evening parade was generally witnessed by a crowd of 
civilians, of which the ladies formed the largest and most interest- 
ing part, and it would be hard to say which were the most admired 
by the others, the girls or the "sojer laddies." Many a gentle 
heart was led " captyve " by the silver gray jacket with the brass 
buttons, — your pardon, ladies, — we mean by some good looking 
fellow inside of it, and many a " Son of Mars " yielded to the same 
power that alone could control that puissant old divinity, and which 
has ever since shared the homage of his votaries. 

After parade, which generally lasted about an hour, the camp 
was alive with fun and frolic, in which the visitors generally shared, 
taking, however, a more quiet part than the boisterous fellows who 
were thus making up for the restraints of the hours of duty. Then 
it was that the "Rogers"* formed their whimsical line, and exe- 
cuted their ludicrous manceuvres, to the infinite peril of buttons and 
waist-bands among the laugh-tortured spectators. Or leap-frog, 
double-duck, foot and base ball, or sparring, wrestling and racing, 
shared their attention, and all was mirth and jollity until the twilight 

* The di.ibolical wags of the Twenty-First are never idle. They have organized a regiment 
within the Twenty-First, and elected the following officers: Seymour Colton, Colonel ; Albert F. 
Ransom, Lieutenant-Colonel; Geoge M. Love, Major; Byron Schermerhorn, Captain; Cleveland 
Houghton, Lieutenant ; Henry Beebe, Ensign ; D. L. Aberdein, Orderly Sergeant. 

The drill of this regiment is remarkably peculiar, the tactics being entirely different from 
Scott's or Hardee's. They have a name for theirs, which just now 1 don't remember. It is a singu- 
lar one, however. No person is allowed in the ranks unless hs talks all the time, keeps his hands in 
his pockets, and turns in all his toes. He must keep silence violently in a loud voice, or otherwise 
he is hiuig up by the heels till his nose bleeds. "I'he name of the regiment is the "Rogers Regi- 
ment," or in the vulgate, the " Rogers Rangers." The word of command is also peculiar. For 
instance, when the Captain wishes to have them mark time, he exclaims as the caution, "A'oi^L-rs. 
juark time ;;,'-// .' " 

The company immediately "git" as ordered, as a matter of course. Other orders are as 

follows: (oxen terms are most popular) ' gee Jla>ik git!" and they conseijuently ".git," '^ hint' 

Jlank git!" and they "git." The command "rest git!" is carried out by every man 

embracing the man in front of him, and then all sitting doivn on each others laps, all talking loudly to 

keep perfect silence all the time. The word "mark time git!"h executed by each man 

getting back to back with his neighbor, locking arms, and then alternately throwing each other in the 
air, their feet marking time as they come down on the ground. On dress parade, the command 

" J\est git ! " is followed by all the men getting around the Colonel in a circle, and sitting in each 

others laps. Of all ridiculous paraphrases or travesties on realities, this beats them all. It is the 
most absurd of absurdities, and the funniest of funny performances. No pen can describe the drill, 
and no one can possibly comprehend the waggery of it without seeing it. There is a great deal 
more genius in it than in any other drill, and more sarcasm than can be expressed in writing. — 
Courier. 



TWENTY FIKST REGI.MENT. 



43 



gathered them in groups around the quarters. Then our Glee 
Club carrolled the songs of home, while all listened, and many an 
eye unused to tears, dimmed in the gloaming, when no one could 
see its tribute to past hours and dear absent ones, — hours gone 
forever, dear ones we might meet no more on earth. 

Those evenings were pleasant ones, they are pleasant to look 
back upon, and many a soldier remembers them as among his hap- 
piest. It was like the renewing of one's school days, and no school- 
boys just let loose from their tasks ever were happier, or gave 
themselves up with less reserve to unlimited fun, than did we. 
Still when we recall those times, sad thoughts mingle with our 
recollections : Of those who S[Jorted with us there, how few are 
left ? Of those whose strains lightened many a sad hour then, — 
many a weary one after, — how many will ever lift their voices on 
earth again?* Poor Charley Dutton died at Fredericksburgh ; 
brave Al. Swartz sleeps in a soldier's grave at Bull Run, and the 
same field was fatal to his noble cousin, Charles. There, too, fell 
that best of comrades, Billy Rice, mourned and avenged by a host 
of friends, who can never forget the manly qualities that endeared 
him. 

The tollowing letter, by one of our visitors, was written after 
A DAY IN THE CAMP OF THE TWENTV-FHIST REGIMENT. 

One great cause of (lel)asemeiit in camp life grows out of tlie spare lime which 
is usually at the disposal of the soldier and officer. There is always a temptation to 
listlessness, when off duly, which is hard to resist, and unless some cause exists that 
will slinuilale mental energy, l)ad habits are liable to be engendered. The intelli- 
gence, therefore, of a body of men gathered together as these are, in a regiment in 
camp, is pretty accurately indicatetl by their amusements while off duty. The 
officers who truly conserve the best interests of their men, will encourage those kinds 
of out-door exercises and sports which will furnish amusement, and keep the mind 
active as well as the body. I was not surprised, therefore, to see how extensively 
the amusements which had been practiced in their leisure hours in the city, were 
continued in camp. Boxing with the gloves, ball-playing, running and jumping, 
were among these. The ball clubs are well represented here, and the exercise of 
their favorite game is carried on spiritedly by the Buffalo boys. To those who have 
heard the performances of the Olee Club at home, I need not say that tiner singing 
is rarely iieard than was listened to last evening, after the close of the evening 
parade, closing with " Home, Sweet Home." I delected many a moistened eye at 
the thoughts thus awakened. 

*'riie Club conipri.sed the following ^ingers : Charles A. Swartz, tenor and alto ; W. J. Gib- 
son, air ; H. H. Oberist, alto ; H. Wells, tenor and alto; William Kice, basso : Charles P. Diitton. 
air and tenor ; ."Mbert Swartz, tenor ; R. B. Huek, air. 



44 CHRONICLES OF THE 

I was pleased at the marked absence of vulgarity, either in words or actions, 
both among officers and men. The sanitary condition of the regiment is best shown 
in the Surgeon's daily reports. Though there are from fifteen to twenty-five re- 
ported on the sick li.st, probably there is no day that the average of those who could 
not iiear arms wuuld exceed twelve out of all in the list. 

The mistakes of the sentinels often furnish amusement, and help to many a 
hearty laugh. For instance, the other night the corporal of the guard gave as the 
countersign to iiis men the wurd " fliiiversity " when the real word given by the 
proper officer to him was " lUiena Vista." Another gave " Saragossa" for " Cerro 
Gordo," and one of the sentinels was passed by giving " Khine-wine " for " Brandy- 
wine." The sentry was from the " Faderland " of course. Another passed on " York- 
shire," when the real word was " Vorktown." 

In closing this letter, if I could be permitted to make a few suggestions, and 
could be sure that they would be taken in the same spirit of kindness as intended, I 
should say that the present high position of the regiment can l;)e not only maintained, 
but increased, and I trust will be, l)y a careful attention to the morals of the men. 
Profanity is no part of a S(ddier's duty, nor a qualification for fighting a good battle. 
The biggest bullies I have ever known were always profane, and generally in pro- 
portion to their cowardice. An officer cannot e.xpect either the respect or ready 
obedience of his men, who uses profane language to them or in their presence. 
Major Anderson is a prayerful man, and he is a brave man. Col. Havelock, in 
India, was a prayerful man, and who will soon forget him ? The ofiicer has a double 
responsibility upon him, for his example will have great inlluence upon his men. 

I am aware that I am trespassing U|)on tlie chajilain's prerogative, but anxiety 
that Buffalo should always occupy and maintain tlie high position it now holds in the 
estimation of tlie public, is my excuse. Tlie city may well be proud of its 
regiment, and tlie men all feel gratified and grateful for the many favors which have 
been bestowed upon them ; and this lias done much to get up tlie fine spirit that now 
prevails in it. But ilo not stop now. Stationery is much needed. It costs not less 
than twenty-five dollars a week to pay for the postage and stationery used by the 
officers and men in their family correspondence. By tlie appointment of a post- 
master, the way for relieving this heavy item of expense has been opened, and the 
city should see that the proper means are supplied. At least fifty dollars worth of 
stamps or stamped envelopes, and the same amount of stationery, should be for- 
warded at once to the Colonel, for the postmaster to keep in reserve, to distribute 
when needed. Remember that when a man is writing a letter he is sure to be well 
employed. It has been a heavy task upon the officers to find these little items for 
their men. It should not be. 

Soldiering has its pains: but I nuist say I leave the camp with regret. I have 
so well enjoyed myself with the officers and men, have had so much pleasure in their 
company, that were it in my power I should follow the regiment, if only for the con- 
tinuation of the enjoyment. They are now ready to move, and I hope they will soon 
be at the seat of war. Wherever they go, may God's best blessings go with them all. 

1". 

On the 20th day of May we were mustered into the service 
of the United States, for the term of three months. At 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 45 

the same time the companies were Hmited to seventy-eii^ht men 
each; a general weeding out of the least efficient men took place, 
and the surplus number of good men in some of the companies 
transferred to others that lacked their complement of such. 

On the 2ist of May the regiment received the handsome uni- 
form originally intended for the 74th Regiment, N. Y. N. G. It 
consisted of cap, jacket and pants of gray cloth, trimmed with black, 
and an overcoat of a bluish black, lined with red. Others of the 
volunteer regiments at Elmira were uniformed at about die same 
time, but with a vasdy inferior quality of cloth, for which " shoddy " 
was a most appropriate name. Contracts had been given to the 
lowest bidders, and the result was that in their haste to uniform the 
troops, the authorities were obliged to accept such clothing as 
contractors chose to furnish. The under-clothing dealt out at the 
same time was excellent, the best we received while in the service. 
This uniform was also in many cases a cause of tlisaster to our State 
troops, from its similarity of color to that worn by the rebels. 
Witness the first battle at Bull Run, where regiments of supposed 
Federal troops were allowed to gain important positions, and only 
discovered to be enemies when too late to be successfully opposed. 
In more than one instance a galling fire from flank or rear would be 
the tirst intimation of their presence. 

The following announcement appeared in the Express of May 
17th: "The announcement that Dr. Charles H.Wilcox has been 
appointed Surgeon, and Dr. J. A. Peters, Surgeon's Mate, of the 
Buffalo Regiment, is a cause for congratulation. Dr. Wilcox has had 
a long experience in both medical and surgical practice. Aside 
from a large family business for twenty years in this city, he has 
been U. S.' Surgeon to the Marine Hospital, and has held import- 
ant places on the stafi" of both the Sisters of Charity and the Gen- 
eral Hospitals. In temper he is kind-hearted and genial, and will 
win the confidence of the men. 

" Dr. Peters is a young man of tine talents and high character. 
He has seen service as a resident physician at the Alms- House. 
He is a son of Hon. T. C. Peters, of Darien, the celebrated agricult- 
urist." 

On the 22d day of May, Dr. Wilcox arrived with his commis- 
sion as Surgeon. All who knew him were delighted at our good 
fortune in securing his invaluable skill and experience for ourselves, 
and those who saw him for the first time were inspired with con- 



46 CHRONICLES OF THE 

fidence in his ability and worthiness for the responsible position he 
had been soUcted to assume. That his presence was at once a 
benefit to the regiment the following letter testifies : 

Elmira, May 28th, 1861. 

In our regiment everything is working as neatly as a well oiled steam engine, 
the engineer who built it " running the machine." The boys have already got down 
to their work, and drilling and confinement have become matters of course with 
them. A day or so ago, they complained about the food furnished them, upon 
which Dr. Wilcox, the Surgeon of the regiment, took a walk through the mess- 
house in the afternoon, which so startled the contractors that that niglit the boys 
fairly reveled in sweet new milk, the most arabesque of mush, superlatively golden grass 
butter, and preternaturally excellent apjjle sauce. The visit of the Doctor was not 
without permanent effect ; for since then the companies, — who have publicly stated 
that the steaks for their use were cut from every part of the animal but the horns and 
hoofs, — feel perfectly satisfied, and wreak not their vengeance on spectral con- 
tractors, by making daily hail-storms of vile and insufficient beef. 

There was a batallion drill at our camp this afternoon, under the command of 
our wortliy colonel. A great many spectators were present, all of whom were 
highly pleased with the fine martial appearance of the regiment. The drill was 
excellent, and exhibited the fact that all hands, — officers and men, — are paying the 
closest attention to discipline, and that in a short time, in the matter of soldierly 
appearance and drill, no volunteer command in the State can exceed them. Their 
officers are picked men, and the material of rank and file is far superior to the aver- 
age of volunteers. 

I notice that George B. Dudley, of your city, is here and has obtained the 
appointment of Assistant Commissary of this military department, underthe direction of 
Capt, Tidball, U. S. A. He is a go-ahead individual, as the people of Buffalo know, 
and has already obtained much praise for the manner in which he carries out the 
duties of his new position. 

The Rochester regiment. Col. (^)uinby, and the Syracuse regiment. Col. Wal- 
rath, are announced to move to-morrow for Wasliington. Unless there is an 
immense slip betwixt the cup and the lip, they will be off on the cars early in the 
morning. There is but little stirring here, especially money. 

II. W. FAXON. 

The same gentleman thus reports the departure of the two 
regiments mentioned : 

Ki.MiKA, May 29th, 1S61. 
Kditur.s Courikr : — At last the troops begin to move, and this military depart- 
ment is decreased to-day by the absence of fifteen hundred men. The Rochester 
regiment. Col. Quinby, and the Syracuse regiment. Col. Walrath, left this noon on 
freight trains for Washington, via Williamsport and Philadelphia. The Buffalo 
regiment, Col. Rogers, turned out in full strength to escort them, and looked and 
marched nobly. The procession, consisting of the Utica, Cayuga, and Buffalo regi- 
ments, marched through the streets to the barracks of the Rochester and Syracuse 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 47 

regiments, ami from thence marclied again through the city, haUing in front of the 
Brainard House, where they gave three rousing cheers for Gen. Van Valkenliurg, 
whose office is in that building. 

The muzzles of nearly all the muskets of the departing troops were ornamented 
with evergreens and flowers, and many had evergreens in their belts and hats, in 
token that the memory of the friends they have left behind would remain ever fresh 
in their bosoms. After marching through the town they proceeded to the depot. The 
Buffalo regiment wa? drawn up in two ranks on one side of the road, and the Utica 
regiment on the other, — the departing regiments marching between them to the cars, 
receiving the military salutation as they passed. 

A large crowd had assembled at the depot to witness their departure, among 
whom were a large number of ladies, friends and relatives of the soldiers. There 
were young girls crying on the platforms; mothers were sobbing in the streets; 
women weeping on the balconies ; and sisters mourning on the galleries ; strong men 
were breaking away from loving white arms, and with quivering lips and large 
lumps in their throats, vainly endeavored to look and feel unconcerned. White 
handkerchiefs were saturated with real tears, and wrung and re-wrung out; and 
though drums were beating and the air was filled with music, with Hying banners, 
and cheers and sunshine, all present felt sad indeed, as they pressed a parting "good 
bye" on hand or lip, and experienced the regret that is always connected with the 
thought of possible disaster. 

Both departing regiments looked and marchetl well, but the Buffalo regiment 
was pronounced by all to be the best in Elmira, and decidedly superior to all in 
point of drill and uniform. /Ml were lavish in their encomiums, of which Col 
Rogers and his regiment may well feel proud. The clothing and shoes of the 
Rochester and Syracuse regiments, I am informed by Col. Walker, came to-day, but 
too late for distribution. These important articles will be at once sent after them. 

The Buffalo boys are steadily to their work, drilling almost constantly, and are 
daily improving in discipline. But very few leave the camp for the town, and cases of 
neglect of duty, disobedience of orders, or drunkenness, are rare. Col. Rogers and 
his excellent staff intend to turn out the very best drilled and most efficient regiment in 
the State, before they leave here, and from present appearances there is little chance 
of failure. 

Ex-Governor King arrived here this morning, and has lieen engaged all day in 
examining the different barracks and inspecting the regiments, probably for his own 
personal satisfaction. 

Friday, May 31. 

The departure of fifteen hundred troops has made a considerable vacancy in the 
business of the town, and hotel keepers and furnishers of supplies feel it sensibly. 
Sixty commissioned officers gone from one dinner table produces a paucity of 
bebugled caps, striped pants, &c., and a violent lack of three-ply gilt buttons. Their 
jilaces, however will soon be filled, and butchers and contractors will again rejoice, 
and hotel proprietors and clerks grow jubilant. 

The camp to-day was visited by many hundreds of people, mostly ladies. 
Among the gentlemen were Gen. Van Valkenburg and Col. Walker. Yesterday 
Ex-Governor King paid the Buffalonians the compliment of visiting their camp, and 



48 CHRONICLES OF THE 

inspecting the soldiers and their quarters. He expressed himself higlily gratified at 
the appearance of everything and everybody, and at the order and system that 
reigned in every department. At the l)attallion drill he was especially pleased, and 
acknowledged he had not seen a finer or better uniformed regiment. 

On Tuesday Col. Rogers received a letter from Dr. John S. Trowbridge, your 
city treasurer, stating that ten liberal gentlemen of Buffalo had made up a purse for 
the purpose of purchasing seven water-proof capes for the sentries from each com- 
pany, — seventy in all. No names were mentioned. A large box came to-day to the 
camp, containing the capes, each one marked with the letter of its company, and all 
in excellent order. They were manufactured by Tweedy & Smith, and are of the 
best material. The boys are exceedingly grateful for this attention to their wants, 
and as the Colonel is in doubt as to who are the liberal donors, the boys express their 
thankfulness through this medium. The donation is a most appropriate one, and is 
commensurately appreciated. 

The discipline of the camp has the effect of leveling all previous social positions 
to one of entire equality. It is very insfnir/h'r to go into the kitchen and mess- 
houses and see here a lawyer washing dishes; a physician scouring knives; a book- 
keeper scrubbing floors ; and others of other professions jiecling jiotatocs, or cutting 
up beef. A numlier of men are detailed from each company daily to do the regen- 
erating process, and each and all must lake their turns. 

The officers' quarters are almost ready for occupation. They are built in the 
rear, a short distance from the quarters of the men, and will be ready by to-morrow 
night. The first room on the right is occupied by the Colonel, Major and Lieut.- 
Colonel. Next comes the (Hiartermaster's department, with its desks, shelves and 
stores; and adjoining that, the ijuarters for ca])tains, lieutenants and ensigns. 

I went around with the ()uartermaster, H. P. Clinton, to-day, to the kitchens, 
mess-hou.ses, &c., and examined the supplies, &c. Mr. Clinton has started out to 
make the regiment satisfied, and if labor night and day, by himself and his assistant, 
P. C. Doyle, will do it, the matter will be /in fait accompli. 

This afternoon Capt. S. L. Potter, soon to be Lieut. -Colonel of the Jefferson 
County regiment, on the invitation of Col. Rogers, came down to camp for the pur- 
pose of drilling a company as an example for the regiment, in Scott's Light Infantry 
Tactics. The regiment was formed in line at the extreme front of the parade ground, 
under the command of the Colonel, who, after getting them in order, addressed the 
regiment, stating the fact and reason of Capt. Potter's altendence. Co. " B," Capt. 
Henry Gaylord, received the honor of being the company selected to drill on the 
occasion, and well they proved the justice of Col. Rogers' choice. Unfamiliar with 
the difference between Scott's tactics and Hardee's, I am unable to institute a com- 
parison between them ; but to the entire regiment, officers and all, a series of more 
brilliant yet simple and rapid movements were never executed; and these by Co. 
" B," in twenty minutes after Capt. Potter had taken charge of them. Col. Rogers 
was so pleased with the movements that he invited Capt. Potter to come again to- 
morrow, and continue his invaluable instruction. 

During Capt. I'olter's drill, one of the prettiest incidents imaginable occured. 
There was a stir at the gate of the guard house; a sudden influx of people; a divis- 
ion of the crowd, from out of which issued a numlicr of the minutest little soldiers. 



TWENTY-MKST REGIMENT. 49 

beautifully unifuiiued, led liy life and drum, the oldest of the corps being a charm- 
ing stalwart fellow of seven years of age, who commanded. They marched directly 
to Captain Layton's company quarters (this company, " K," is now called tlie 
"James Adams Starbuck Rangers," in comphment to our distinguished fellow citi/en 
connected with the tobacco interest), and arriving there, presented to Capt. Layton, 
in behalf of the ladies of Elmira, a Ijeautiful Hag made of bunting. The gigantic 
little commander made a neat liltle speech, expressing himself in very choice lan- 
guage, asserting the esteem in which the Buffalo regiment was held Ijy the people of 
Elmira, and acknowledging the respect which his little regiment felt for the Twenty- 
First. The Orderly Sergeant of " K," at the conclusion of the speech, brought 
foith a hantlsome little flag on a turned staff', surmounted by a bayonet, which he jne- 
sented to the exaggerated conimantler of the lilliputian regiment, in an excellent 
speech. 

Col. Rogers, then, wilh the most fatherly, kind and tender remarks, addre.ssed 
the children in behalf of Capt. Layton, thanking them for the tlag; exhorting them 
to be good children, to obey their fathers and mothers, assuring tliem that those 
children who obeyed that divine injunction, "honor thy father and thy mother," 
would always be good citizens, and that they who did their duty by their p)arents 
were the sure resource of their country in time of need and danger. lie ex])ected 
that this incident would be remembered by all of them, and that when they grew up, 
and he was an old man, he would hear of them doing honorable service in the 
defence and support of their country's glory and honor. He accejited the tlag, and 
would have it floating over the camp until the regiment was ordered away, when it 
would be carried with it, and should be returned, though in tatters from shot anil the 
conllict. At the conclusion the boys gave three cheers for Col. Rogers, which was 
responded to by three cheers from hundreds of hearty throats for the little regiment 
and its " little corporal." The tlag was then hoisted on a new flag-staff erected in 
front of the camp, where it now waves as the gift of the children and ladies of 
Elmira. A number of Ilavelocks have arrived. Mr. J. E. Mackey returns his 
thanks to Mrs. George R. Rabcock ; Mr. John Stowe to Mrs. O. H. Marshall ; and 
Mr. Stanley Porter to Mrs. Wni. V. Miller, for one of those testimonials of their kind 
remembrance. 

H. W. FAXON. 

On Saturday, June ist, occured the first death in the regiment. 
F"rank Aigne, a member of Capt. Thomas" company, was drowned 
while bathing in the Chemung^. 

Amusing- himself as others were doing, on a rudely-constructed 
raft, he went suddenly into deep water, where his pole would not 
touch ground, and losing his balance, and not knowing how to 
swim, went to the very bottom of a deep hole. More than an hour 
afterwards John Stowe, of " D " Co., who, with others, had been 
making every effort to rescue the unfortunate man, found him there, 
his hands tightly clinched round a root he had grasped in his death 
struggles, and which had to be broken before the body could be 



50 CHRONICLES OF THE 

brought to the surface. He was lain upon a rude htter, and borne 
sadly to camp on the shoulders of those who had so recently seen 
that white, cold, still clod, a being of life, ruddy and active, and 
joyously vieing with them in feats of strength and activity. Next 
day, with the solemn strains of the dead march, and the mournful 
beat of muffled drums, they bore him to the cemetery, and his 
comrades fired a parting volley over the last resting place of him 
whose fate it was to die before ever meeting the foes of his adopted 
country. He was a German, a stranger to all when he enlisted, and 
no one knew where was his home. 

Thus did Death claim his first tithe from our ranks, the pio- 
neer of a long list of names that are heard no more at roll-call, and 
that will never be answered to until that great day when it shall be 
said to ALL the martyrs, " Come, good and faithful servants." 

On June 5th the Elmira correspondent of the N. Y. World 
writes as follows : " The Cayuga, Buffalo and Hillhouse regiments 
are the only ones that have received their arms, and, indeed, the 
only ones that are uniformed. The Bufialo men were uniformed by 
their fellow citizens, and present a fine appearance. Their cloth is 
precisely the same as that worn by the Seventh Regiment National 
Guard, and this, added to their superior soldierly bearing, makes 
one look upon them as a twin of the heroic guard." 

In Mr. Faxon's correspondence with the Courier, we find the 
following : 

Elmira, June 8lh, 1861. 
Yesterday anil to-day were given almost entirely to the benefit of the preventive 
service. Small-pox having been announced as one of the warlike weapons in use 
by our rebellious friends in Virginia, to scatter among our troops as a soldier would 
throw hand grenades, our Surgeon, Dr. "Wilcox, with Dr. Peters, Assistant, 
announced his intention of erecting an inseparable barricade of prevention, by intro- 
ducing into the entire human economy of the regiment a little vaccine matter. 
Accordingly, yesterday after dinner, they commenced. First, a company was drawn 
up in line in front of the Surgeon's quarters, with their coats off, and each advanced 
into the dispensary, where sat in serious state the sanitary elements of the camp, 
armed with lancets and matter for reflection. The Surgeon would bare the arm, 
ask the soldier when he had been vaccinated ; whether he had the small-pox or not ; 
and before the patient had finished answering he was a vaccinnated man, and his 
entire vaccine history was recorded by Dr. Peters in a book furnished for the pur- 
pose. The men were not aware of what was going forward at first, and their minds 
wavered in many cases between anticipations of doses of aloes and jalap, and having 
their legs sawed off. But all of them came out laughing as though they had enjoyed 
a new sensation, and were exulting over it. The rapidity with which these opera- 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 51 

tions were perfoimed was remarkable — one hundred and fifty-four men having been 
vaccinated in less than two hours. The health of the regiment is excellent, and 
with the exception of a few light cases of measles, the condition of the regiment 
could not be bettered. 

The Rev. Mr. Robie has become at once a general favorite. He has donned 
the theological uniform, which is a straight, rather long, single-breasted coat, with 
the regular eruption of brass buttons in front, and looks as though he was ready, at 
an instant's warning, to entjage the rebels of the South or the foe of all mankind, 
lie eats at the same table with the men, and his continual contact with them, and 
example, exert a wholesome restraint upon the boys, the effect of which is immediate. 
To-morrow he will preach on the parade ground, unless we have rain, and the 
choir, consisting of twenty members, whose names I have previously given you, led 
by Lieut. -Col. Root, who will play the camp organ, will make sacredly vocal the 
barracks, in praise of the Lord of Hosts. 

Our muskets, received June loth, were of the old smoothbore 
pattern', made at Springfield in 1840-42. They had once been 
thnt-locks, but had been altered to use caps, and, although a ser- 
viceable arm, were not what the boys expected. We had seen other 
regiments armed with rifles, and imagining those arms to be vasdy 
superior to ours, we were naturally dissatisfied at not receiving 
them too. We had yet to learn that the old "buck and ball"* 
cartridges were far more effective at ordinary range than the minie. 
However, we were consoled with the idea that this was only a tem- 
porary arrangement, until better arms could be procured for us. 

Our carnal weapons supplied, and having chosen temporal 
leaders, it was now expedient to select a spirihial commander ; one 
to lead us in "the good fight," and accordingly, on the ist day ot 
June, Rev. John E. Robie, formerly editor of the Buftalo Christian 
Advocate, was commissioned as Chaplain, and soon after entered 
upon his duties. Here is an extract from a letter written by one of 
the officers, June loth : 

"Yesterday being Sunday, we all assembled on the parade 
ground at \o% a. m., to hear Rev. John E. Robie for the first time. 
He read the Episcoj^al service, and delivered an excellent sermon. 
Although it was scorching hot, the boys listened to him with great 
interest. He has at once become a great favorite with both officers 
and men. 

" To-day we received our knapsacks, &c. Everything is here, 
and we will be fully equipped to-morrow. The boys all look well, 
are in the best of spirits, and all anxious to get farther South. We 



* A cartridge with the old round ounce ball and three buckshot. 



52 CHRONICLES OF THE 

have no idea when we will leave. It may be in a few days. Some seem 
to think that we will go into camp, and there remain until next fall. 

"This I hope is. not so. We started in to do our country some 
service, and are all anxious to get at it soon. Our regiment is better 
prepared at the present moment to go into the field than any regi- 
ment that has left Western New York. We have not seen the pay- 
master around yet, but live in hopes. The boys are all well." 

The citizens of Buffalo did not cease to take an active interest 
in our welfare after we were in a measure out of the sphere of their 
immediate influence. The old axiom " out of sight, out of mind," 
did not hold good in our case. 

Parties of ladies were constantly visiting our camp with tiieir 
donations for the comfort of the men. 

At one time they supplied the entire regiment with .neatly- 
made Havelocks, and the variety of other articles from the same 
generous sovu'ce was too numerous to mention. We will give a 
place here to some of the acknowledgments published at the time. 

Says a member of the regiment in a letter to the Bufifalo 
Courier : " I consider it the duty of some one to tender our grate- 
ful acknowledgments to the ladies for the interest manifestetl by 
them in our welfare. Ladies of liuffalo, we will l)ear you in ever- 
lasting remembrance, and try to do our duty as soldiers, — to the 
killing of Jeff. Davis, if possible. 

The following acknowledgment was signed by the entire com- 
pany : 

Ei.MiRA, May I3tli, 1861. 

The officers and members of Comjiany " G," of the Buffalo Regiment of Volun- 
teers, would lender their sincere thanks to all of the ladies and gentlemen of Buffalo 
who so kindly assisted them in organizing an efficient comjiany, by donating to them 
articles of clothing much needed by the men; to Mr. Eldridge, the generous pro- 
prietor of the Franklin House, for the large l)ox of eatables gratuitously furnished by 
him, and which we can assure hnn were more than welcome; to Mr. J. .S. Wilcox 
for the abundant supply of provisions furnished us by jiim on the cars, and to compli- 
ment him and his assistant, Mr. Wayland, on tlic very able manner in which they 
discharged their duty as far as concerned our company. To the fiiends of the 
members at home, we are hapjiy to say that the men are well and in good spirits. 

E. L. LEE, Captain. 
Dan. Mykks, Jr., ist Lieut. 

And the next was signed by the officers of the meeting : 

Ei.MiRA, May 20th, i86r. 
A delegation of three members from each company of the regiment assembled 
this evening at the quarters of Co. " F," for the purpose of drafting resolutions 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



53 



expressing the deep and heartfelt gratitude of its memlsers to Aklerman J^^mes 
Adams, of the City of Buffalo, for his untiring exertions in their behalf, and for his 
timely liberality. 

On motion of Sergeant J. S. Bidwell, seconded by Corporal C. C. McCready, 
Sergeant Byron Schernierhorn, of Co. " D," was unanimously elected to the chair. 

The following committee of five was then appointed to draft said resolutions, 
and report immediately after dinner next: Sergeant McMurray, Co. " F," Sero-eant 
J. S. Bidwell, Co. "G," Sergeant D. F. Ilandert, Co. " C," Corporal C. C. McCready, 
Co. " E," William Collis, Co. " F." 

The committee reported as follows : 

Resolved, That the thanks of every man in this regiment are due, and hereby 
tendered to Alderman James Adams, of the City of Buffalo, for his attentive exertions 
in our behalf, not only while we were in Buffalo, but also while traveling and since 
we have been here ; for his instrumentality in procuring so fine a location for our 
barracks, and for hastening on the erection of the same for our reception. 

Resolved, That the hearty thanks of every member of this regiment ^x^ especially 
due and hereby tendered to Alderman James Adams, for the timely and very liberal 
donation of smoking and chewing tobacco to each and every man of this regiment. 

Resolved, That whereas Alderman James Adams is a member of the Committee 
for the di.stribution of the fund appropriated for the relief of the families of the men 
of this regiment, said men express their confidence in l)eing fairly dealt with while 
having so active and noi)le-hearted a man to look to their welfare. 

The foregoing resolutions lieing unanimously adopted, it was furtlier resolvefl 
that the same be forwarded to the papers of Buffalo for publication. 

The following- correspondence speaks for itself: 

Bui'i'-Ai.o, May 31st, 1861. 
To Col. Wm. F. Rocf.rs, Lieut. -Coi.. A. R. Root, Major Wm. IT. Dkkw. 

GkntlemeN: — I send in charge of tlie bearer, Mr. l-Hlsworth, three horses that 
I have selected from my stock, as being the most siiit.nblc for military purposes, which 
you will please accept from your friend, 

ISAAC HOLLOW AY. 

P. S. — I ho|ie they will carry you all victoriously through every battle you may 
be engaged in. 

I. H. 



ITkaih.iuarter.s 2ist Re(;t. N. Y. S. V. 

Im.mika, June 7th, 1861. 
Isaac IIoi.i.owav, Kso. 

Dear Sir : — Your esteemed favor of the 31 si ult., was duly received, accom 
panied by your munificent donation of three horses for the field officers of our 
regiment. We hardly know how to express our sense of your liberality and 
patriotism, as evinced in this characteristic act, and can only say in reply, that we 
accept your gift, and thank you for it from the bottom of our hearts. We trust that 



54 CHRONICLES OF THE 

your expressed hope that the horses may carry us victoriously through every battle in 
vi^hich we may be engaged, will be realized, and that in due time they may carry us 
back to our homes, to thank you in person for your kindness. 
We remain, with esteem and- respect, 

Your obed't servants, 

WM. F. ROGERS, Cohmd. 
ADRIAN R. ROOT, Lieut.-Col. 
WM. II. DREW, Major. 

And so does this : 

BuKKALO, June 6lh, i86r. 
Coi,. Wm. F. Rdc.krs, Twknty-First Reciment. 

Dear Sir : — The undersigned beg leave to request your acceptance of the liorse 
and equipments which have been forwarded to you at Elmira. We trust you wdl find 
him a serviceable animal, and that he will Ijear you safely through all the fatigues and 
dangers of the campaign upon which you are entering. Rest assured that the kind 
wi.shes of many friends attend you in your responsible position, and that the citizens 
of Buffalo have the fullest confidence in you, both as a man and a soldier. 
Respectfully, your obed't servants, 
Dkan Rkiimond, Henry W. Rogers, 

D. I). liiDWEEL, S. (i. Haven, 

Edward S. Warren, Pratt & Co. 

William G. Farco, John Ganson, 

Julius Movius, E. G. Spaulding, 

R. H. CoLBURN, Warren Bryant, 

Gibson T. Williams, A. J. Rich, 

Jas. M. Humphrey, Wm. Williams, 

John T. Hudson, [. II. Dukois, 

F. J. Fitih.-xn, Joseph Warren, 

Henry Martin. 



Headquarters 21st Regt. N. Y. S. V. 
Elmira, June 7th, 1861. 
Messrs. Dean Rh iimond, D. D. Bidwell, Edw'd S. Warren, Wm. G. Fargo, 

AND others. 

Gentlemen : — I have the honor to acknowledge the recei[it of your communi- 
cation of the 6th instant, requesting my acceptance of the horse and equipments 
forwarded to this place. I accept them with favor and gratitude, and am glad to 
find the horse promises to be a most serviceable animal, and is quite at home in the 
exciting scenes of the camp. For the very flattering terms in which you have been 
pleased to speak of me personally, accept my heartfelt thanks. The position in 
which I have been unexpectedly placed, is certainly one of great responsilnlity; and 
he knowledge that my fellow citizens will watch the progress of the regiment in the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 55 

campaign we are about to enter, will, I hope, enable me to fully appreciate it. That 
your liberality and attachment are not misplaced, is my sincere wish, and shall be the 
object of my endeavors. 

W'itli sentiments of the liii;he.st esteem, 
I remain, gentlemen, 

Your obedient servant, 

WM. F. ROCiERS, 

Col. 2isi N. Y. S. Vol. 



One night, — it was the loth ot June, — just after receiving our 
arms and equipments, the officers took it into their heads to give us 
an alarm, just to try our quickness in getting into line, — a sham 
alarm of course, but a very good test, as such a thing was totally 
unexpected. Of course we were all aware that no enemy could be 
nearer than a few thousand miles ; but waking from a sound sleep at 
midnight, to hear the warning roll of drums, men around you 
struggling into their clothes, lines forming, the flashing and clanging 
of arms, the cjuick sharp commands, and all glare, hubbub, and 
excitement, where but a moment before was darkness, calm and 
slumber, are apt to induce any quantity of excited conjecture, and 
any belief, no matter how improbable, is impressed upon the 
bewildered brain with all the vivid distinctness of startling reality. 

Our drill that day had been unusually severe, and all had 
turned in early. We expected soon to leave for the fighting ground 
of Virginia — perhaps in a day or two, — and knew not how short 
might be our time for rest. The amount of cat-calling, cawing, 
crowing, and ventriloqual practice generally, after tapg that night, 
had been unusually small, and now, at one o'clock, all were wrapped 
in their blankets and "sweet forgetful ness," and only a sturdy snore 
here and there attested the supremacy of the drowsy god ; but 

" Linden saw another sight 
When the drum beat at dead of night." 

There was the sharp crack of two or three muskets, and then, 
on the stillness of the night, rattled out the warning cadence of the 
" long roll." Reader did you ever stir up a hornet's nest, and see 
the indignant garrison rally with angry hum to investigate the 
intrusion ? Just so the startled Buffaloes swarmed out of their 
barracks. The Adjutant was already on the parade ground, and so 
were the rest of the field and staft ; and in ten minutes our line was 
formed, not a man missing, everything ready, and all agape for the 



56 CHRONICLES OF THE 

next movement. Wide and various were the surmises and conject- 
ures whispered aloui^ the ranks as to the probable cause of tlie 
alarm. Some thought there must be a mutiny in some other 
barracks ; others that our marching orders had come, and in five 
minutes more we should be on our way to "Dixie;" and more 
didn't know what to think, but were ready for anything. But in a 
moment the clear ringing voice of our Colonel called us to 
"attention." He said that he was much pleased with our alacrity 
in forming, that he hoped we would always be as ready for a real 
alarm, and that we might now return to our quarters. 

So we went back, some fierce and sleepy, and others well 
satisfied that it was nothing more. All were jolly enough however, 
when the lanterns in the barracks revealed the queer mistakes some 
had made in their haste to fall in. 

" You've got my jiants," says a little fellow in his drawers to a 
six-footer. " That's so," is the astonished reply, as the latter looks 
down at about eighteen inches of exposed "calf" "I thought xwy 
legs were mighty cold." 

Another had his haversack insteatl of his cartridge box, and 
turned it off by declaring that he'd rather eat than fight any time, 
and was voted "sensible." Others had reversed things generally 
in " getting into harness," or had left half their clothes behind in 
their haste, and one fellow wore as his only article of outer apparel, 
a pair of immense boots. 

On Saturday, June 15th, we had our first hard march. Since 
receiving their knapsacks, the boys had been learning to pack them 
properly, but many were ambitious of carrying more than they 
ought. A recruit, leaving home for perhaps the first time, usually 
has a small trunk full of keepsakes and notions, which he can't be 
persuaded to leave Ijehind, and which nothing short of a half day's 
trial will convince him he cannot carry. About mid-day on his first 
march you will see him " going through " his knapsack, and cutting 
down his burden t(j the last dispensable half ounce. 

He will even look hard at the Bible his mother, perhaps, gave 
him, and " wish it was a testament, and the big pearl-handled sheath- 
knife he was so proud of the day before, is thrown aside with his 
toilet case and portable writing desk. 

I have seen men by the road side tearing up their treasured 
letters ; reserving perhaps a few of the last to read once more, and 
burnmg the rest to lighten their load ; and I have seen them pull off 
the brass plates that decorate their belts, for the same reason. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 57 

A knapsack, to contain everything- the sokHer must carry there, 
need not weigh over eigliteen pounds, and if properly packed and 
slung, can be carried very comfortably. Experience teaches him to 
get the weight as high as possible on his shoulders, and then, by 
leaning slightly forward, to bring it directly over the centre of 
gravity, he avoids that backward strain on the shoulders and chest, 
which is S(j terribly fatiguing. To do this, he packs it snugly and 
scjuarely as possible, and passes the shoulder-straps through those 
which hold the overcoat, drawing the latter forward upon the neck. 

All this we had yet to learn, forgetting that we had better begin 
with as light a load as possible until accustomed to the thing. We 
had not only packed our blankets, overcoa,ts, under-clothing, &c., 
but nearly all had stuffed in an assortment of books, writing material, 
mending apparatus, such as skeins of different threads, boxes of 
buttons, papers of })ins and needles, and all the fierce array of 
knives, pistols, &c., which the raw soldier so delights in displaying, 
so that few of our "packs" weighed less than twenty-five pounds, 
added to these were the belts, cartridge box, canteen, haversack, 
bayonet, and musket, the latter weighing thirteen pounds. 

Thus equipped we fell in at two o'clock, and were marched 
about four and a half miles, at quick time, through the streets of 
Elmira. The day was very warm, and the roads intolerably dusty, 
so that at times one could hardly see the second man in front. 
Every corpulent knapsack dragged persistently back, giving one 
unpleasant ideas of overla])ping shoulder-blades and incipient spine 
disease, and, together with the dust, giving each an uncomfortable 
choking look as he tugged along, the cords in his neck painfully 
apparent, and his eyes straining from their sockets. 

When we got back to camp we were about as hard looking a 
set of fellows as one often sees. The dust had settled so thickly on 
us that we were of a color from head to foot, except when the sweat 
had dropped from our faces upon our belts and jackets. As far as 
our powers of endurance were concerned, the test must have been 
satisfactory, for a few old soldiers who were in the ranks declared 
they had never experienced so much fatigue in so short a time. 
Only one man tell out, and he was immediately taken care of by the 
Surgeon. 

That was about the last of our pack-horse experiments, and 
every man who had to carry a knapsack immediately reduced it to 
the least possible weight. 



58 CHRONICLES OF THE 

On Friday, the 14th day of June, Gen. Van Valkenburg 
received the following order from Albany : 

Direct Col. Rogtis, 21st Rej^iinent, to lie niiistcied into the U. S. service for 
two years, and tliat lie then proceed with his command immediately to Washington, 
via Harri.sburg, reporting at ihe latter place to (Jen. Patterson. This by order of 
Secretary of War. 

J. W. REID, Jr., 

Adjutant General. 

This order, being rather unexpected, was none the less welcome, 
and immediately the camp stirred with new life, and the croakers 
who had prognosticated a long summer and winter in camp at home, 
incontinently " dried uj)," and made themselves busy with the rest. 
First, every man set about putting his arms in complete order, that 
they might be in trim when wanted. A snapping of j:)ercussion caps 
and ringing; of rammers, always a note of preparation for duty, 
resounded through the camp, and everywhere might be seen busy 
fellows scouring away at barrels and bayonets, putting on a polish 
that would make them look as formidable as possible. 

When this was done, and the knapsack had been overhauled to 
make sure that his outfit was in g-ood order, and everything fixed up 
to the last degree of neatness and usefulness, each one took to his 
bunk or some secure and shady spot outside, and with portfolio on 
his knee, proceeded to inform a larg-e circle of anxious friends that 
the Twenty-First Regiment had been ordered to the seat of war. 

About this time the barrack fronts broke out into such eruptions 
as the following : 

"To Let. — Rent payable after July ist, at the Headquarters 
of the 2 1st Regiment, Montgomery, Alabama, or Charleston, S. C. 
For further particulars, inquire of Capt. H. G. Thomas, Co. I, 21st 
Regiment N. Y. S. V." 

"Notice. — In view of the fact that the 21st Regiment is 
ordered South, the reward of $5,000 for the head of Jeff. Davis is 
reduced to one cent." 

Says a correspondent, writing from Elmira : " Those were not 
the only evidences of approaching departure. A general gayety 
among the men ; an immense proclivity to letter writing, and 
anxious inquiries at the post-office for letters with small-hand super- 
scriptions ; the gathering at Elmira of many Buffalonians, and a 
constant bustle about the headquarters of the regiment, gave proof 
that the gallant Twenty-First was on the wing." 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 59 

Next day (Sunday) it rained, and our devotional exercises were 
held in the mess-house. We knew it was our last Sabbath in 
Elmira, the last many of us would pass with the friends who had 
come from home to be with us until our departure. On this day 
we dispensed with the usual parade for services, and the boys and 
their friends sat together where they pleased. A gloom seemed to 
weigh upon the spirits of all, and each face wore an expression of 
subdued sadness, a premonition of the possible future, in unison 
with the dim lowering sky, the misty horizon, the soft monotonous 
patter of the rain — drops of which came through the roof and fell 
like tears upon us — broken only by the deep solemn voice of the 
Chaplain, while over us the evergreen decorations drooped like 
funereal plumes. 

But under all this, in each soul was a depth of fervid devotion 
unfelt before ; a deep, calm reliance upon the justice of the cause 
which now called us from all we held dear; a trust that should this 
indeed be the last time on earth for us to join these friends in 
Christian worship, the sacrifice we were thus making would add to 
the joy and glory of a re-union where wars are no more. 

And when our choir sang that grand old anthem of the free, in 
which we all joined, while Cramer's band pealed its richest from 
the temporary organ loft, though no grained roof above us gathered 
and re-echoed in increased volume the the soul -stirring strain, there 
was no want of grandeur in the emotions thus insi)ircd — ■ 

Long may our land he Ijiight 
With Freedom's holy light, 
Protect us by thy might, 
(Ireat God, our King. 

The next day our visitors were increased by numerous arrivals 
from Buffalo. Among them we welcomed Hose 2, in full gala rig, 
with their Carriage, come down to see us off. Nearly every boy in 
camp greeted some old friend who was to gladden his remaining 
hours and receive the last farewell. 

For some time past only three men from each company were 
allowed to leave camp on any one day, but on Monday the rule was 
relaxed, and the gray jackets of the Bufifido boys were everywhere 
on the streets. Hundreds of them had made so many acquaint- 
ances in the town, that it seemed like home to them ; while on the 
part of the Elmira people, there had been such uniform kindness 



6o CHRONICLES OF THE 

and courtesy, and so much of Q-enuinc hospitality, that the departure 
on Tuesday was rendered a most painful separation. 

The ladies of the village, especially, "gave signs of woe," and 
there were manifestations of respect which did credit to both parties. 
Our Buffalo boys have been orderly, gentlemanly and cordial 
toward the citizens, and the latter have reciprocated in every 
possible way. That Monday night was decidedly a jolly night in 
the camp. The Rogers Rangers were out in full force, with entirely 
new evolutions, commanded by Col. Colton, on crutches. His staff 
consisted of all the cripples in the regiment, and the shortest haired 
ones had the preference in the ranks. Cien. Van Valkenburg was 
present, as were also a large number of ladies and gentlemen, who 
were in ecstacies of fun at the ridiculous travesties of this comic 
troupe of first-class artists.. 

The departure on Tuesday is thus reported by Mr. Faxon : 

Notwitlistaiulin;^ tlie numerous tickets of leave, there was no difficulty in getting 
the men together on Tuesday morning. The companies turned out with full ranks 
and no stragglers. And this is as good a place as any to say that all stories aliout 
di.ssatisfaction in the regiment as to their term of service, are mere humbug. ( )ne 
hears nothing at all of them at Elmira. Col. Rogers will protect the interests of the 
regiment, and the men throw all the care on him. Where he leads they will follow ; 
and the farther South he goes, the better pleased will they be. 

The camp on Tuesday morning presented a busy scene. The boys had break- 
fast early, and had stripped the dining room of the floral decorations wdiich the 
contractor had placed there in honor of their last meal. Festoons of evergreens, 
intermingled with bouquets, had been hung about, and the boys transferred the 
boucjuets to the muzzles of their muskets. liesides these, many of the men had 
bouipiets from the ladies of Elmira, and when the line was formed, it looked like a 
long flower bed. 

There was not much hurrying. The men had ample time to " get a good 
ready," and for conversation and last words with their friends from lUiffalo. And 
here was the hard part of it. It was sorrowful enougli to see tJie wives, daugliters 
and sisters of the officers and men, trying to be cheerful, and bestowing on their 
loved ones some last little gift, — a miniature, a bouquet, or some little article of use. 
And then, too, mere friendship among stout-hearted men, had its pangs. There was 
many a hearty " Clod bless you," many a long shake of the hand, with wet eyes 
looking on, and many a pocket-book was cm])tied, by way of a last kind act. The 
men had not been paid off, and the visiting liuffalonians lent and gave all tlie money 
they had to spare. All had some friend, to whom a present of a dollar or two was 
most acceptable, and, to the credit of l)oth jiarties l)e it said, there was no begging. 
The visitors volunteered their aid, ami said they couldn't lielj) it. 

(Jne of the most active among the officers was Dr. Wilco.x. As Surgeon of the 
regiment, he watches carefully everything that affects the health of the men, and is 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 6l 

untiling in his efforts. The many duties tlirown on (Quartermaster Clinton were 
divided with Dr. Wilcox, and the latter was able to say when the line was formed, 
that every man had his rations in his haversack. At the cars, the Doctor was equally 
efficient. Acting as conductor, he would not let the train leave until every man was 
provided with a seat, and it followed tiiat instead of being packed in freight cars, 
like herrings, as was the case with other regiments, Buffalo went off comfortably in 
good jiassenger cars, of which eighteen were provided. 

The camp was broken up at 9 A. M. Everything was packed, knapsacks 
slung, the roll called, and one by one the ten companies took their places in the long 
line, and were inspected by Col. Rogers. At this time the parade ground was 
crowded with people, among whom were a numlier of the officers of other regiments, 
and a very large proportion of ladies. The regiment never looked liutter, and all 
were loud in their praises of their appearance and soldierly bearing. At a few 
minutes after 10, the regiment formed in hollow square, and while in this position 
received " three times three " from the Oswego regiment, who occupied the camp 
adjoining, and who were drawn up in line to witness the departure of the Buffalo 
boys. The Buffaloes returned the compliment by giving three cheers for them, and 
continued the ovation by giving three cheers for the Mayor of lUiffalo, three cheers 
for their friends in KImira, and concluded i)y three monster yells and cheers for the 
ladies of Khiiira. 

Eagle Hose Co., No. 2, II. 11. Clapp, foreman, then passed in front to the right 
of the line, where they had the post of honoi-. It was much lo be regretted that this 
escort, elegant and appropriate as it was, could not have l>etn swelled by other 
organizations from this city. Probably two hundred Buffalonians, ladies and gentle- 
men, were there, but Eagle Hose was the only formed escort. Yet it was remarked 
in Elmira, that Buffalo e.\hil)ited more care and affection for its regiment than any 
other city. 

The Union Cornet Band was on hand, having volunteered its services gratuit- 
ously. Its familiar music was a great accession to the parade, and all felt under 
obligations to the Band for this generous act of courtesy. 

Immediately after, the regiment marched by the flank out at the central gate, and 
after getting into the road, formed in column by companies, the procession being in 
the following order: 

The Union Cornet l!and led the van, followed liy the Drum Corps of the 
regiment. 

Next came Eagle Hose 2's Carriage, elegantly adorned with beautiful silk flags. 
wreathed with evergreens and flowers intermixed, l)Ouquets of flowers, and portraits 
of all the members of the Company, who hail joined the Twenty-First. The 
following were in uniform and drew the I lose Carriage: II. II. Clapp, Foreman ; 
Oscar T. Flint, Assistant Foreman; lulw'd Henderson, Treasurer; John C. Maloney, 
R. II. Kuper, Chas. F. Gardner, P. J. Walts, Rufiis Wheeler, Jr., P. J. Hannour, 
W. Kinnear, S. J. Kuhn, John E. Easher, Wm. P.eyer, 1). J. I.ockwood, I''d. Page, 
Everett E. Baker, A. McEeish, M. Wagner. 

Col. Rogers at the head of the Regiment, on foot; i.ieut.-Col. Root, Major 
Drew, Surgeon Wilcox, Assistant Surgeon Peters. 



62 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Capt. Layton — Company " K " — 77 men. 
Capt. Lee — Company "G" — 77 men. 
Capt. Strong — Company "E" — 75 men. 
Capt. Gardner — Company "A" — 77 men. 
Capt. Thomas — Company " I " — 76 men. 
Capt. Gaylord— Company " 1! " — 76 men. 
Capt. Clinton — Company " F " — 78 men. 
Capt. Washburn — -Company " C " — 77 men. 
Capt. Alrerger — Company " D " — 77 men. 
Capt. IIayvvard— Company " H " — 78 men. 

After the regiment had accomplished half the distance between the camp and 
the town, they received an une.xpected salute from the Union Regiment, which was 
drawn up on both sides of the road for that purpose. The salute was returned, and 
the regiment passed on, and down to the depot, where thousands of people had 
asseml^led to witness their dc|)arture. 

Eighteen cars — first-class passenger cars, with one stable car, for horses, two 
b.aggage cars, and two locomotives — were inline for their reception. There were 
hundreds and hundreds of ladies crowding the streets, the sidewalks and the 
balconies, swarming on the platforms, hiving in the doors and windows of the hotels. 
Men were everywhere, and there was an apparent sadness on every face, at the 
anticipated parting soon to take place. 

Wives, with their arms around their husl)ands' necks, sobbed farewells, went off, 
and then returned to sob and weep anew. Mothers bade their sons many tearful 
adieus, with that sorrowful sinking of the heart which accomjianies the anticijialions 
of real dangers; sisters wept sorely, and hung fondly on the necks of their brave 
brothers, who were going to fight for the flag, and if necessary, die in the defence of 
its integrity and purity, and many strong men who had not relatives in the regiment, 
stood with tears in their eyes, and great unswallowable globoses in their throats, 
sympathizing with all. 

In the midst of this scene, so full of life, love, hopes, fears and anxiety, the 
Union Cornet Band, led by Cramer, was playing its brilliante.st ! Walter Gibson, 
(Iberist and others, were singing musical adieus; guns were firing, and flags waving 
from every possible or impossible altitude, men were cheering, handkerchiefs were 
waving, drums were sounding, and all was apparent confusion. But out of the nettle 
disorder, they plucked the rose of order. All were got aboard the cars — the officers 
t.aking the forward car — and precisely at half-pa.st eleven the train started. 

It bore off a regiment, renowned for its military misfortunes, but which had been 
taught by delays upon delays, to realize at last that there was still " balm in (Jilead," 
and which believed more in active gun-shot, sabre or bayonet wounds, than in the 
torpid life of caniii — so listless and apparently objectless. 

As they passed up the railroad, all the way to the bridge, the Union Cornet 
Band played its liveliest and best, the streets were black with people, and cheer npon 
cheer broke from their lips as the cars passed, and answered by the "boys" with 
such a fervor as showed that they appreciated the compliment, and were grateful 
for it. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 63 

And so they went, followed by the prayers and blessings of thousands, who will 
watch for their return with anxious hearts and aching bosoms. May they glorify 
Buffalo and themselves by their good conduct in the fight, and all live to come back 
to their homes crowned with well earned laurels. 

A large number of Buffalo people are here. Among them I notice Judge 
Houghton and wife, who have an only son in the regiment; Dr. S. B. Hunt, Ed. L. 
Ferris, Asaph Bemis, A. M. Clapp, Mayor Alberger, Milton Randall, Alonzo Tanner, 
Chas. Rosseel, Dr. J. S. Trowbridge, Major Cook, John Wilkeson, H. T. Gillett and 
wife, and many others, all here for the purpose of seeing the boys off, and sharing in 
the regret at their departnre. 

The camp is a desolation now — no song, no music, no enjoyment — all 
solemnly still, and painfully quiet. The McSwattigans have dej)arted, and the 
Zouaves no more make merry the quarters; the Siniggy McGlurals are gone, and the 
camp no more echoes to their epidemic waggery; the Rogers Rangers have fled, and 
the new drill has t!isapi)eared, and will be unpublished forever. Red tape has failed 
at last, and our regiment will have an opportunity of distinguishing itself. So mote 
it be. H. W. FAXON. 

P. S. ^ — I had almost forgotten to mention that the Fire Department of Elmira 
paid Hose 2's boys all the honors; received them at the depot, escorted them to 
camp, and housed their splendid Carriage. To-day they invited them to dinner at 
the Brainard House, where they had a glorious time. The Elmira boys concluded 
their attentions by escorting our boys to the depot, and saluted them as they de[)arted 
with three cheers, ending with a violently affectionate " tiger." H. W. F. 

Thus ends our probation. Speeding on over hill, valley and 
stream, in the bright summer morning, the capital, our destination,, 
only a day ahead, and with a prospect of speedy service and plenty 
of it, why should we not think our disappointments ended at last ? 
Were the future not a sealed book, how few would enjoy the 
present ! 

ORIGINAL COMPANY ROLLS. 

The following rolls are copied from those upon which we 
received our first pay, and include the names of all those mustered 
into the State service: 

NON-COMMI.SSIONEI) STAFF. 

Sergeant- Major — Ceorge M. Love; (Quartermaster Sergeant — P. C. Doyle; 
Hospital -Steward — Wm. C. Gould; Commissary Sergeant — Clark Dodge; Drum 
Major — David Scott; Fife Major — Joseph H. Zrenner. 



COMPANY " K." 

Captain — John M. Layton. 
1st Lieutenant — Augustus N. Gillett. 
2d Lieutenant — John Nicholson. 
1st Sergeant — James Falls; 2d Sergeant — Joseph Negus: 3d Sergeant — 
Joseph Remick; 4th Sergeant — James R. Wilson. ist Corporal — Ja tnes Blogd } 



64 CHRONICLES OF THE 

2d Corporal — Joseph Reed; 3(1 Corporal — James A. Mills; 4th .Corporal — 
William Hamilton. Musicians — John O. Nelson and Andrew L. Whipjile. 
Privates — Elisha R. Ames, Conrad Albis, Joseph Alexander, Peter Bowhart, John 
Bell, Robert Buerger, Bartley Bcttinger, Royal Colby, Cornelius Cunningham, Alfred 
B. Darling, John Oow, Alfred Dowling, August Du Press, Frederick Diehl, James 
Duyer, John Fiscnbcrger, Thomas Ellis, Ignatus Ciauloff, Witgam Hyer, George 
Hwrley, [ohn Howard, Frank Henry, William Hayden, John Helfinger, James 
Harrison, fames Hurley, Winslow Ileniger, Frank |enkins, I lenry Johnson, Fred. 
King, Patrick Kelly, Cluules Koulin, Christopher King, William Lessick, Joseph 
Lee,- Patrick J. McLaughlin, Luke Mitchell, Patrick Mahony, Joseph Miller, John 
H. Mathews, Pliilip Maliion, Edward Mone, Alfred May, James P. McKane, John 
Munro, Charles Morian, Ethelbert Norris, Louis J. ( )ttenot. Nelson Porter, John C. 
Pratt, William Powell, David C. Powell, Charles K. Shaeffer, Finley Sparier, Philip 
Shermann, Austin Salsbury, Christian Sleinwagle, David A. Strong, John Sherman, 
Adam Schamberger, Jas. A. Thompson, James Taylor, Jabez Valentine, Jas. 
Williams, William IL Watson, Adam Watz, Rudolph \Vasmer. 

( )f these, Joseph Reed, Corporal, was sick and left behind at Elmira. C. Cun- 
ningham transferred to Capt. Faxon's Coni]iany, 36th Regiment. John Howard 
deserted. John Sherman, John H. Mathews and Alfred D(jwling, were mustered 
out, the last being "over age." John |. Ihush joined when the comjiany was 
mustered into the U. S. Service, and had not been sworn into that of the State. 

The letter of this comjiany was originally " B." Companies "I" and " H " 
were originally " 1) " and " C," liut also gave up their letters to the companies made 
up from those known by the same letters in the Seventy-Fourth. 



COMPANY "G." 

Captain — EuwARD L. Lee. 

1st Lieutenant — Daniee Myeks, Jr. 

2d Lieutenant — J. E. Bekijtoed. 
1st Sergeant — Martin R. Clark ; 2d Sergeant — John 13. Manny; 3d Sergeant — 
Walter M. Foy; 4th Sergeant — John Williamson, ist Corporal — John Bump;, 2d 
Corporal — Edward Daggett; 3d Corporal — John Taylor; 4th Corporal — ^Job Bump. 
Privates — -John Bidwell, Daniel Barrows, James 11. Blake, John Bruner, Joseph 
Backeridge, Elias Bader, Herman Biesolt, John Beard, James Beaton, Andrew 
Bercher, Mathew Carson, William Crapo, Thomas A. Curran, Orlando F. Day, 
James Diamond, Jacob Eberly, Paul Evarts, William Fitzpatrick, John H. F>itcher, 
Henry Fick, Stafford J. Godfrey, Nicholas Geiger, Valentine Gies, John W. Huges, 
Chas. Hirt, Christian Haines, William llassinger, William H. Harris, David LL 
King, Philip Kep|)ler, John Layh, Henry Lweg, George Kurtz, John Knoul, Jacob 
Lenard, Thomas J. Landon, Leonard McLeur, William Miller, Charles Marvel, 
William Mathews, Charles Naevel, William Pohlman, George Partridge, Augustus 
Porter, Martin ¥. Ryan, Frederick Roberts, Caspar Reinhart, Robert Ried, Wm. H. 
Sherman, Julius Sheffel, Peter Smith, Newell Spaulding, Thomas H. Shuler, Charles 
Schroeder, Herman Sanders, John Stangel, John Shoemaker, Nelson W. Wade, 
George Wiedrich, John H. Wolff, Justus Weisgerber, Peter Wirt, Frederick Wright, 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 65 

Michael Zufbrick, Charles Zindell, John Clodis, George Yorkston, James Parker, 
John Piatt, Bernhart Shifterling, Roliert Cooperisch, Joseph Clouse, Frederick Wessel, 
Ahart Siebel, John O'Connor, Alexander Johnston, Theodore ISillbrick, John Cook, 
Frederick Schucat, Christian Boderman, John Spalin, Christopher Fenzle, Louis 
Schafer, John Vanneter, Charles Rendell, (leorge F. Rickert, Peter Snider. 

Of twenty-two of these last, beginning with John Clodis, nineteen were trans- 
ferred to otlier companies, only tliree out of the nunil)er being rejected. 



COMPANY "E." 

Captain — James C. Strong. 

1st Lieutenant — Charle.s E. Efnkr." 

2d Lieutenant — Thomas Si.oan. 

1st Sergeant — William L. Whitney ; 2d Sergeant — Peter Leggett; 3d Sergeant — 
Adam Rehni ; 4th Sergeant — II. H. Bridges. 1st Corporal — Caleb C. McCready ; 
2d Corporal — John W. Cook; 3d Corporal — Charles W. Stiles; 4th Corporal — 
Henry W. Linman. Musician — Ciiarles W. Ferris. Privates — John Andrews, 
Francis Anderson, Harvey Beebee, Victor P.. Butler, Jolin Burke, Charles Ball, 
Daniel S. Conover, Alfred Crawford, William Craw, William Chambers, Cornelius 
Calverly, William J. Cook, Charles W. Chase, Henry Clock, William H. Craig, 
Jolin Dormer, Richard Eagle, Albert Filmore, Robert George, John Gray, Frank 
Goodwin, Henry Green, Richard Hicks, Myron W. Herbert, jacol) Kirsch, George 
Kirth, George Kaberlein, Patrick Kene, Charles Leonard, (olm La Fever, William 
Lewis, Nathaniel Lindley, Jacob Moskopf, James Milham, jolin McCarthy, George 
Mosier, Edward Manning, William Murray, Henry Miller, Michael Morgan, William 
Stender, Lewis Strait, Samuel Benjamin, Robert Sherry, Thomas Sweeney, Joseph 
Shoemaker, Richard Sturm, Jolm F. Valleare, George Venables, Charles Vetter, 
Edward Vanderburgh, Anthony Van liatten, Alfred Warner, William Wisser, 
Frederick Wilk, Delavan M. Yeamans, Christian Ziehm, Silas Benson, Edward 
Cook, (Jeorge L. Cook, Henry II. Davis, Thomas (Jordon, Ciiarles R. Hallenlieck, 
John O'Brian, George Peterson, Thomas Dailey, Giil)ert Tompkins. Making 67 
in all. 

Of the.se, Charles W. Stiles refused to swear into the V. S. Service, and was 
left behind; and Kirth, Kene, McCarty, Murray, Benjamin, Vanderburgh, Wilk, 
Benson and Dailey were rejected. 

COMPANY "A." 

Captain — Ror.T. P. Gardnkr — (vice PJkkw.) 

1st Lieutenant — Levi Vali.iick. 

2(1 Lieutenant — Charles S. McBean. 

1st Sergeant — John E. Ran.som ; 2(1 Sergeant — Frederick Somers; 3d Ser- 
geant — Patrick Cusack ; 4th Sergeant — P>ancis Myers. ist Corporal— James 
Mastenson; 2d Corporal — James Dove; 3d Corporal— Henry Klein, Jr. Privates — 
Arthur W. Adams, Justin Bamat, Alexander Begg, Adam P.ingemann, John Binge- 
manii, James H. Blake, Jacob Breilwieser, Ernest Broemel, Wm. Brown, Albert 



66 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Buhler, Charles K. Burdick, George B. Canning, Louis Chautems, John Cline, 
Andrew Coline, James Crudden, George W. Cutter, Stephen Diebold, Edward 
Donaliue, Thomas Donavan, Henry F. Dupont, Charles K. Emery, Joseph Mason 
Estahrook, John Farley, Myron H. Field, Adolph Fischer, Nicholas Fischi, Robert 
Fitzgerald, Thaddeus M. Fowler,^ Emil Gassman, Rinehardt Geisen, Lewis V. 
Giliiert, John Ginther, Milton A. Gray, Joseph Hamilton, William T. Heah, 
Constantine E. Hetsch, Patrick Ilickey, Thomas Hines, Simeon King, [oliii 
Lawrence, John Lloyd, Charles E. Lockwood, William Mang, fames Masterson, 
Patrick McCarran, William McKay, William A. McDonald, Archibald McGregor, 
Henry McLane, Jr., George W. Morgan, Edgar Nason, Harding Nevvcomb, John 
Noverre, Hiram Olske, James Parezo, John Pax, Louis Penner, Charles B. Peter- 
son, Roliert C. Provoost, Martin Randolph, Jasper F. Richardson, McKinzey Saraw, 
John Shaffer, Frank Schwegel, Jacob Schick, Joseph Simon, Cliarles E. Sprague, 
Peter Spies, Leander Taylor, James Ten Broeck, John Tucker, Nelson H. Van 
Natter, Marlborougli Wells, Wm. H. Williams, Julius Wirth, Henry Zink, Abraham 
H. Bennett, John Callihan, James F. Colton, Edward A. llewes, Henry Klein, Jr., 
Charles McBean, Jr., William H. Sliter, Theodore H. Staedller, Henry J. 
Van Natter. 

Leroy H. Briggs did not leave Buffalo. James H. Blal<e was transferred to " G." 
Ciiautems, Healy, Hickey, Noverre and Wirth, were transferred to " L" Cutter, 
Emery, Ginther, Provoost, Bennett, Colton and Hughes, were rejected. Williams 
and McLane were discharged. 



COM PAN V "I." 

Captain — Horack G. Thcimas. 

1st Lieutenant — ^Ahrott C. Cai.kins. 

2d Lieutenant — William O. Brown, Jr. 
1st Sergeant — John W. Comstock ; 2d Sergeant — Patrick Ilickey; 3d Ser- 
geant — Julius Wirth ; 4th Sergeant — Edwin J. Cooper, isl Corjioral — Charles T. 
Shiels; 2(1 Corporal — George Siver; 3d Corporal — John E. Ellsworth; 4lh Cor- 
poral — James Clark. Musicians — John Riegle and I)avi<l Scott. Privates — 
Cliristian Ahler, Frank Aignee, [ohn Aiken, RicJiard J. Beard, Inederick Bogle, 
John Brunk, Peter Brummell, Charles Bohm, Louis Chautems, Charles Connelly, 
Arthur Cook, George Dauhausen, John Deigle, Louis Ernst, Peter J. Falb, Robert 
Finland, Gustavus Gielsdorf, Charles II. 1 lagerty, Henry Ililger, Zachariah Hess, 
Jacob Hodick, Louis Hoffman, Henry S. Holmes, Christian Ihila, John Jepson, 
William Jones, Jacob Junck, Adam Kill, William Kinsman, Lucas Kirchmier, 
Albert Kubler, Justin Lasson, Alon/.o Lavalla, David Loughrey, John Mane, 
Duncan McDonald, John W. McKay, Joseph McMahon, John McMillen, Michael 
Micklen, Peter Miller, John Muirhead, Patrick Murphy, George Ouinton, Jolin 
Schultz, Charles Schwannecke, ("Iiarles Singer, John Sloan, Louis .Steicke, John 
Traus, Charles Trauth, George Weimer, Reinhold Will, Augustus Voss. 

The following were rejected at Elmira : Charles Beck, Henry J. Brown, Charles 
Piidib, Henry Freymiller, Paul Gillings, Henry Ileintz, Jack Jurgenick, Edward 
McGowan, John Myer, Delavan Newkirk, Jacob Nick, Eugene Noel and Philip 
Thomas. Emanuel Vandemuth, deserted. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 67 

COMPANY "B." 

Captain — IIicnrv M. (Jaylord. 

I si Lieutenant — AL(;ar M. \Vhef,l1';r. 

id Lieutenant — Jamks J. McLicisH. 

1st Sergeant — James S. Mulligan ; 2d Sergeant — Charles H. Bidwell ; jd Ser- 
geant — Greig II. Mulligan; 4th Sergeant— John W. Davock. 1st Corporal — 
Thomas W. Bishop; 2d Corporal — Gayer Gardner; 3d Corporal — Egbert 15. 
Wallace ; 4th Corporal — Henry M. Halsey. Musicians — John A. Bodamer nnd 
Francis Schloegl. Privates — Charles M. Andre, Albert Ayre, Adam Anding, David 
B. Bidwell, Theodore D. Bidvvell, William J. Hurt, John A. Balcom, Barnard II. 
Bommell, Lewis P. Brown, Louis P. lieyer, Edgar Brand, Geo. P. Brand, F'rank M. 
Case, Lewis f. Carpenter, [ohn Cole, Charles II. Dyer, Wdliani J. Dole, CJiarles E. 
Efner, William Ernst, Henry R. P^lls, (Jeorge W. French, Elbridge G. Fenton, Charles 
W. Fisher, Thomas W. Frink, John A. Gil)son, Henry Gross, Newman U. Goodrich, 
Charles H. Grant, John Alfred Ilayward, Arnold G. Harris, John P. Hatch, John II. 
Howard, Wm. Ilengerer, Frederick Hanes, James A. Ilusted, Franklin Hall, William 
G. Ingraham, Samuel S. Jcinian, Chas. E. Johnson, Hopkins Joslyn, Geo. Krauskupf, 
Augustus Klein, Garrett B. Lockwood, Warren Lowry, Henry A. Maynard, George 
W. Mugridge, John Marhnvcr, Charles Millingt<ni, Jcihn McMillan, Frank Ottenol, 
tieorge W. (Jwen, John U'Dunnell, Benjamin Parker, Henry I'apey, Wm. D. Piince, 
William S. Rol)insun, Chauncy C. Roliinson, George Reihl, 1^'ranklin Rogers, John 
Savage, Frank (i. Stephen, Jacol) F. Schoenthal, Chas. A. Svvartz, Frank Stacy, Fred- 
erick Schoeck, Christopher .Sagelhorst, Aden W. Tyler, Benjamin R. Train, John M. 
Taff, Marshall H. Tryon, Jr., Joshua G. Towne, Robert Taggart, John Vandewater, 
Elijah Vibbaril, John N.Wheeler, Pascal P. Weissgerber, Fayette H. Warriner, George 
H. Watson, Xavier Zimmerman, Edward Fero. 

Ayre, ISrown, Carpenter, Frink, jordon, Klein, McMillan, Reihl, Train, Taff, 
\'ibbard and Fero, were rejected. Mugridge was transferred to "II," and Oltenot to 
" K."' Charles E. Efner was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in " E." Franklin Rogers 
was dischars/ed. 



COMPANY "F." 

Captain — George De Witt Clinton. 
1st Lieutenant — Thomas B. W^right. 
2d Lieutenant — Charles B. Harrow. 

1st Sergeant — Samuel McMurray; 2d Sergeant — Albert F. Ransom; 3d Sergeant 
— Clark Dodge; 4th Sergeant — De Witt C. White. 1st Corporal — Amzi L. Bryant; 
2d Corporal — David A. Harper; 3d Corporal — Jasper S. Young; 4th Corporal — Derrick 
L. Pomeroy. 1st Musician — Erastus Waldron ; 2d Musician — Turner K. Williams. 
Privates — David L. Aberdeen, George Altenljerg, John Burke, Jacob Billiar, Joseph 
Bellanger, James liergen, Robert 1>. lUick, William Collis, Lyman E. Cobb, John 
Coffee, James W. Constantine, William B. Constanline, Herbert S. De Puy, Elwood P". 
Doty, John Duggan, Anthony Dumoulin, Charles I. Dutton, George Dupont, Francis 
Englehardt, George W. Foote, Charles II. Fowler, John H. CJalligan, Warren Granger, 
Jr., George Greek, Charles Gross, James H. Glennie, John Hall, Christain Hammer, 



68 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Charles Heel), John Henry, James Heustis, Charles W. Hoklen, Charles E. Holman, 
Dorman A. Holt, Charles Heltrick, Joseph Jerke, William B. Jewett, John Johnson, 
Horace Jones, Archibald Johnson, John KillholTer, Jacol) Kreltner, Jr., Frederick K. 
Lisser, Charles H. Lillibridge, Peter I^ipjiey, William I). Lucas, Frank W. Lucas, 
Zebina 1!. McMerriek, Alexander VV. Mcl'licrson, Kdw in L. Marvin, Ernest Manipel, 
Charles F. Mercer, Fred. Moll, JoJm W. Moores, Nichokas Morris, Lallety Nellis, 
I'rederick C. I'arks, Howell I'ixky, [osiaii I'rine, W'ilHani Rankin, Alexander Reidpath, 
William !'". Robinson, Richard \V. Rockwell, Edward Ruth, Langdon Russ, Theron 
Scliell, i'elei- Scheyer, l<'re<lerick Smith, i'ananuel Snearly, William H. Sprague, George 
Sneidwin, ( 'liarles L. Stevens, Richard Walsh, John 11. Ward, James Welier, Jacob 
Wicdler, Joseph K. Wilkins, Michael Wheelan, William IL Willard, John Wolk, Louis 
•Shafer, Henry S])icer, and Joseph Bartlett. 

( )!' tliese. Hall, llettrick, Snearly and Walsh were rejected on account of excess 
of numbers. Corporal Jasjier S. \'ounL;s and private (irangerand I'ixley were rejected 
by Medical lnsi)ector. F.nglehardt and Shafer were transferreil to "11" Com]iany. 

Coflee, .Archibald Johnson, Lippey, McMerrick, Mampel and I'rine, were trans- 
ferretl to " 1*2" Co. Samnel 1'. ( lail was rmistered into the L'. S. Service on the 20th of 
May, vice Harrow. 



COMPANY "C." 

Captain — J. I*. W.\shi;iik.n — (vice Rcjcicks.) 

1st Lieutenant — Ai.lkn M. Adams. 

2d Lieutenant — JmiN H. Cankiki.d. 
1st Sergeant — George L. Remington; 2d Sergeant — I'retlerick A. Colson; 3d Ser- 
geant — Harry Wells; 4th Sergeant — George Hurst. 1st Corporal — Robert S. Wilco.x ; 
2(1 Coi]>oral — Herschell K. Fullerton; 3(1 Corporal — George T. Cook; 4th ("orporal — 
John Hoy. 1st Musician — Jos. Zrenner; 2d Musician — Charles M. k'isher. J'rivates 
— Henry y\dams, William Archer, William S. IJania, ( leorge M. lia.ssett, Joseph IL 
Ben/.ino, William H. Pxiorman, ( )scar ( ). llowen, William II. Rritton, Franklin S. 
Carpenter, George W. Carpenter, Jr., John Ceis, Charles 11. Colt, Charles H. Hobl)ins, 
Henry I )orey, Horace L. Dvnilap, Charles W. Edgerton, Etlwin Tanning, Henry Fero, 
Isaac L. Gary, George J. Getsinger, Warren B. Gibbs,- Walter J. Gibson, Thompson 
Guern.sey, Charles IL Gundlach, Edward II. Hale, Charles C. Henderson, Samuel E. 
Hoffman, Ralph P. Howe, William 1\. Jeudevine, John II. Judson, Edgar A. Lang- 
ham, Charles Lanigan, Lucius R. Lewis, John M. Locke, John H. Mansfield, Charles 
C. Marvin, Tluanas K. Meech, Walter G. McNally, James McGowan, William M. 
McKay, (ieorge W. Miller, Andrew Miller, James Mills, Henry P. Morse, ddieodore 
M. Nagle, Henry A. ( )berist, Edward Palmer, Robert IVimeioy, Ciiles T. Ransom, 
Horace M. Rose, Millord S. Salisbury, Fayette (!. Seavey, John M. Schwinn, Charles 
( ). vShepard, Jr., John d\ .Smith, He Forrest Standart, Benjamin F. Steele, Charles B. 
Stone, Albert R. Swartz, Chas. II. Tallman, John I). Taylor, William J. Thompson, 
Byron L. Tiifany, Edward H. Van Sicklan, Romulus B. Vaughn, Julius A. Weiss, 
William E. Widell, Luther G. Woodward, William Wright, Andrew Young, CJeorge 
S. Atlams. 

Bowen, Mc(!(.)wan antl Giles T. Ransom, were rejected. Marvin was Iranslerred 
to " F," Tiifany to " E," and George .S. Adams to " H," Company. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMKNT. 69 

COMPANY "D." 

L'apiain — William C. Ali;kki;I',k. 
i.sl l.iculcnanl — (iKuiiUK M. ISakkr. 

2d LiculciUint WlLLLVM l"'. WllKKLER. 

isl Sergeant — Daniel H. IJlalchford; 2d Sergeant — Hyron Schermerhorn; 3d Ser- 
geant — Morris H. Alberger; 4tli Sergeant — Henry C. l>eei)ee. 1st Corporal — Ogden 
Campliell; 21I Corporal — Willelt 11. Fargo; 3d Corporal — Charles L. 1 )e Forrest; 4th 
Corporal — David W. Tiiltle. 1st Musician — Napoleon 1!. Laniier; 2d Musician — 
Harrison (luiid. Privates — Henry C. Alhnan, Alon/.o D. Hailey, Edward S. ISarnes, 
John A. liarney, jnhn M. Hraiuard, Henry IJroinicr, Henry W. lirooks, Newell L. 
IJurr, Ahner Chase, Henry R. S. C<ill<in, W. K. Cowing, (iecirge Duerr, Wnn 15. 
F)evening, Orville Dewey, A. I'restoii Dunlap, Charles Dodsworth, Henry l^'irnian, 
Lawrence Foster, Charles M. Fox, Tobias (lasser, (_'harles (iillig, William Clynn, 
James S. Cowans, John F. Craves, Paul Homelius, ( )li\er Cleveland Houghton, Pierce 
Hurley, James How-son, Daniel W. Jenney, Willis S. Kenij), Fmerson Kester, James 
P. Kneeland, John F. Langanhardir, Flenry G. Lansing, l''ernanilo C. Lewis, janies E. 
Mackay, Marvin Montague, Felix K. Mayburn, John Harrison Mills, John H. Metcalf 
(ieorge W', Morgan, David Morrison, Cyrus O. Palmer, John M. Peabody, Frank H. 
Pierce, Stanley Porter, William Porter, David Potts, Fdward I'rior, John P). Rehm, 
Charles P. Rice, Daniel H. Sheldon, Ira J. Sheldon, [acob Shick, Fernando Smith, 
Charles C. Short, William Shoop, Alfred Spencer, John T. Slow, William E. 'I'horp, 
Joseph P. Thdmpson, ivlward X'ickery, Cornelius NValdrou, William l>. Williams, 
Stewart Ellsworth, James H. Courtney, Henry Freeman, J. Hughes, Selon G. Lewis, 
Norman Snell, John Shultz, John Tyman, William Venn, Anton Philbert, John Mills, 
and ( leorge M. Love. 

( )f these, eleven, beginning with .Stewart Ellswurth, were re'iected. Ellsw(.)rth 
went as ('(ilonel's (jrderly, and Jnhii Mills, Hughes and Snell, juined another company. 
Selon (i. Lewis afterwards enlisted under Capt. Randall, in the ySlh New York. 
George M. Love was Orderly .Sergeant of the company until promoted to the rank of 
Sergeant- Major. 



COMPANY "H." 

Captain — Elisila L. LIayw.ard. 
Isl Lieutenant — S.VMUEL WlLKKStiN. 
2d Lieutenant — Iliiai Johnson. 

1st Sergeant — P'rederic* Minery; 2d Sergeant — John McCabe; 3d Sergeant — 
George Adams; 4th Sergeant — Andrew R. Palmer. 1st Corporal — Andrew ]. Peck; 
2d Corporal — Chas. Streber; 3(1 Curporal — Thos. Parr; 4th Corporal — Harvey G. 
John.son. Fifer — Mathew II. ^'oung. Privates — liyron Allen, ('hristain JSrackenlicker, 
Ja.s. Pailey, Moses Peach, John Priggan, Adolphus ISowman, P^dward Pownian, 
Alexander Burwell, John Clark, James P. Cole, Fll/.eare Couture, Ansel W. Humphrey, 
Jas. Edward, Chas. A. Ewers, Thos. Eraser, Henry Francis, Isaac Freeman, Eugene 
J. French, Thomas Gi.sl)orn, John Harlaclier, Joseph Hackett, Louis Haas, Edward 
A. Hewes, John Hedges, Henry W. Henderson, John Heini, Jr., P'rank Huber, John 



70 



CHRONICLES OF THE 



Johnson, Tlioma.s Kneeland, William C Kirk, Joseph V. Lickel, Philip Ling.sweiler, 
Maxi Manley, Dennis Maioney, Piatt Martin, Louis Muller, Martin Muller, John Mills, 
Chas. Morgan, Chas. Lavant Prescott, Alex. Petrie, Kurt Rinckleben, Jacob Roth, 
Louis Sand, Henry Seenian, Chas. Stoddard, yVlhert |. Valentine, John Welch, 7\ndrevv 
B. Wise, Thomas E. Bell, Charles Carpenter, Alexander Cook, James Cunningham, 
Wm. H. Doyle, William Golland, Moses Lapoint, Mortimer Seely, I'Vanklin Sherman, 
Jas. Berry, and John E. Wasson. 

Of these, James H. Rich, Sergeant, Byron Allen, Alexander Burwell, John Clark, 
James Edward, Thomas Cibson, Henry W. Henderson, John Johnston, Thomas 
Kneeland, William C. Kirk, Maxi Manley, Dennis Maroney, Jacob Roth, Henry 
Seeman, Andrew B. Wise, and Albert J. Valentine, were discharged the State Service. 
Moses Beach deserted June 15th 




TWENTY-FIRST REdlMENT. 71 



CHAPTER I I I 



From Elmira to Washington. — A glimpse of affairs at the seat of Government. — Go into camp at 
Kalorama. — The Spring. — Midnight alarm again. — Capture of a Spy. — The Adjutant outflanked. 
— A viper scotched. — F'irst pay-day. — Life in Camp, and how we take it — A lesson concerning 
entrenchments. — Marching orders. — Rumors and anticipations. — We celebrate the Fourth. — 
Our old arms are exchanged for new. 



The last adieus are said, and Elmira, with its crowds of people, 
weeping friends, and cheering townsmen, has vanished behind us. 
The train has described a long, steady curve, in avoiding one of 
those familiar hills, and now, headed straight South, bears on like a 
race horse, or like our typical Buffalo on his native plains, with 
lowered head and sturdy front. 

Hurrah for Dixie! How the farmers in the fields, and their 
wives and daughters at the doors, cheer as we pass like the wind! 
These sturdy fellows at their work, look wistfully after us as they 
wave their hats, and seem to say "How I'd like to be with you." 
I wonder how many of them will leave their plows and follow us ere 
another seeding time. And the pretty country girls, with their rosy 
cheeks, waving a cheer as we pass, look so pretty and patriotic, 
that I doubt their will to restrain these wistful fellows, as much as I 
believe in their power to encourage the transformation of plow- 
shares and reaping hooks into swords and spears. 

Our saucy fellows return their hail with a gusto, and each car 
window is a battery from which whole volleys — perfect salvos — of 
kisses are discharged at these poor damsels, who sometimes, in the 
fervor of their loyal little hearts, return them, but oftener hide their 
suffused faces in their aprons, or behind mamma's shoujder. 

Our boys have recovered their sjiirits — not a trace of the part- 
ing remains, and each seems to "lay himself out" to the enjoyment 
of the journey. Some sit musing with apparent content in their 
eyes, looking out upon the beautiful panorama of mountain, stream 
and forest through which we glide. Others are boisterously merry, 
(I suspect these of having felt the parting most), and seem deter- 
mined for ever to ignore "dull care," and give all sorrows the cut 



72 CHRONICLES OF THE 

direct. Some of this hilarity is evidently due to the circulation ol 
certain oriqinal packacjes, — the bottoms of said packages having 
probably been marked "this end up with care," or at least I judge 
so from their persistent efforts to keep them in the air. In each car 
there is at least one impromptu glee club, and sometime the whole 
car joins in some such chorus as this: 

(_)w ! ( )\v — w ! ( )\v — w — \v I 

I)(in't ycr licar iiic now ! 
I'm (le higi^cst \\'i<l a l)rusli in all creation, 
I 'm almoin' down to Washington to try to git a jnli. 
For to wash out de black deeds of de nation! 

As we approach the State line, the scenery grows wilder and 
more magnificent. The farm houses nestle farther from each other 
in the valleys, and the regular patches of cultivated land, with their 
checkered variety of grain fields, are agreeably relieved by stretches 
of almost primeval forest, broken by ledges and bluffs inaccessible 
to cultivation. 

We cross the Pennsylvania line. At every little hamlet among 
the hills we are greeted by the entire population, and the nearer 
our approach to hostile borders the warmer our welcome. The 
rumors of wars bring to these homes a pcxssibility of invasion, — a 
nearer realization of the horrors of war, than those feel who are 
secure in their distance from those boundaries, — and how gladly 
they hail deliverance from these prospects. At every stopping 
place, therefore, they swarm about us, the men to exchange the latest 
news, the women to tell us of husbands, sons, brothers and friends 
who have gone before us to the front, and how glad they are to see 
us of the farther North coming to their aid. Nearly every girl has 
brought an armful of bouquets to distribute among us. If she has 
but one, she selects the knight who shall bear her favor, and per- 
haps before we move on they have exchanged addresses and prom- 
ised to correspond. Some of these wicked fellows have got numbers 
of such presents, with accompanying cards or little slips of paper, 
with specimens of delicate female chirography, which they are very 
cautious about showing. 

At Williamsport we stop for dinner. News of our approach 
has preceded us, and we find that the ladies of the town have spread 
a bountiful feast, to which they welcome us, and we fall to in a way 
that proves our appreciation of the fare. The ladies wait upon us, 
and we pledge them in bumpers of freshest milk and cups of fragrant 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 73 

coffee, and at last tear ourselves away, the richer by large additions 
to our stock of nosegays, and the recollection of their smiles and 
kind words. The boys will long remember the ladies of Williams- 
port, and well they may. Capt. Hayward made a neat speech of 
acknowledgment, we gave three rousing cheers for the ladies, and 
then the cry of "all aboard," cut short the flirtations begun in fun 
by some, in earnest by others, and away we go again. 

The Wyoming Valley, always lovely, was to-day especially so. 
Winding around the precipitous sides, a gulf on one hand, a wall ol 
rock on the other, writhing about in an absurd manner, leaping aw- 
ful chasms, sometimes seeming to sail in the air, and again burrowing 
into the hillside, as if upon some geological exploring expedition, 
tangling itself in the deepest forests, anci emerging with a flash to 
daylight and civilization, coqueting with emulous streams, or braid- 
ing courses with a dozen of them, shrieking a warning to some 
vagrant cow, who kicked up her heels defiantly as we passed, and 
anon startling the trout hunter in his shady nook, our train rushed 
on ; while we, enjoying every moment some new phase of its beauties, 
feasted eye and soul upon the loveliness of this paradise upon 
earth. 

Some time in the afternoon we struck the west branch of the 
Susquehanna, and late at night reached Harrisburg. Our halt here 
was but for a moment. Quartermaster Sergeant Doyle, who had 
preceded us, was taken aboard, and then, as Col. Rogers had 
received orders at Williamsport to proceed directly to Washington, 
the train was backed across the long bridge, and we were taken in 
tow by a huge coal burning locomotive, and whirled away toward 
Baltimore. 

This morning, June 19, at seven, we crossed the line into Mary- 
land, and soon after were reminded of our proximity to a hostile 
country by the pickets stationed along the road. They were Penn- 
sylvania and Massachusetts troops. From York to Baltimore they 
were placed at intervals of five hundred yards for the entire dis- 
tance. At about half past eight we crossed where the first bridge 
had been distroyed by the Baltimoreans; and here we had five 
rounds of catridges dealt out, and each man was ordered to load 
his musket. Judging from the experience of troops preceding us 
through Baltimore, there was a possibility of trouble for us there, 
and every one hoped that we might have an opportunity of doing 
something toward the vengeance due for treatment of the Mass- 
achusetts Sixth. 



74 CHRONICLES OF THE 

We now crossed two more of the burned bridges, or rather 
crossed where their blackened remains had been replaced by 
strong temporary structures, and here we found strong detachments 
of United States Regulars, who hailed us joyfully. When within 
a short distance of Baltimore, the guard detailed the day before 
were ordered forward to the cars containing the luggage and quar- 
termaster 's stores. When we reached the place, these were switched 
off upon a track through some back streets, and drawn by mules 
hitched tandem-wise, to the other depot, while the regiment marched 
through the main streets. Although the streets swarmed with ill- 
looking men who scowled at us as we passed, no open demonstration 
was made, unless the display of a secession badge here and there 
could be called such. But it was hardest upon us to bear with the 
changed demeanor of the fair sex. Thus far they had been charm- 
ing, fascinating, anxious only to encourage. Here, their scornful 
glances soon showed us that we saw anything but allies in them, and, 
but that their eyes lacked the basilisk power of wreaking the 
hatred they expressed, their glances would have been quite killing. 

Acting upon the Christain principle of returning good for evil, I 
sent a kiss after a very pretty girl, who was trying to look very cross- 
and scowling at me, as I sat in the open side of the baggage car. 
It was quite edifying to see her dodge it, and 1 thought she smiled 
as she took refuge behind a blind. 

A few ill-looking fellows offered us oranges and other fruits, but 
having been cautioned against eating anything which might be 
poisoned, we declined their proffers, which were made ungraciously, 
and as I have said, by ill-looking fellows who were much more likely 
to have been concerned in the murder of our boys a few weeks 
ago, than to be the loyal men they professed. 

The loyalty of the darkeys, however, was unquestionable, and 
we did not hesitate to buy of them what they chose to bring for our 
refreshment. In all these black faces suppressed exultation was 
visible, and they would bring us their offerings of refreshments and 
tell us how glad they \vere to see us. In the suburbs they flocked 
from the shanties to see us pass, and all had some word of cheerful 
greeting. 

A short distance south of Baltimore we passed numbers of 
encampments, and at one o'clock stopped at the famous Relay 
House. Here we met Col. Jones, of the Massachusetts Eighth, 
which is stationed on the bluft^above. There is also a battery there, 
which commands the place and the viaduct, which we crossed soon 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



75 



after. At Baltimore we had thirty-two freight cars assigned to 
transport us for the remainder of the journey, and now the decks of 
these were crowded with those who preferred that airy seat, and the 
view it afforded of the country through which we were passing. It 
was level and monotonous enough here, and we had little use for 
our eyes except to watch anxiously for some indication of our 
journey's end. 

At two o'clock the cry was " Washington," and there in the 
hazy distance, as if veiled by a protecting cloud, or like a mirage in 
the desert, loomed the dome of our menaced Capitol. The boys 
crowded the decks for the first sight of our Mecca, and gazed with 
delight on this realization of their hopes. But a nearer approach 
robbed the view of its enchantment. Though the Capitol still 
loomed before us in its noble proportions, it had lost the aerial 
grandeur of that first sight, and we were only impressed with its 
colossal size as made apparent by the insignificant and inappropriate 
surroundings. Our approach to its near vicinity was through 
clusters of hovels, surrounded by sloughs and reeking purlieus of 
mire and filth, and the scent which greeted our olfactories was 
almost indicative of the rotten state of affairs in this desecrated 
temple, which has brought our land to the verge of ruin. 

The depot lay almost in the shadow of the Capitol, and when 
we reached it and disembarked, the column was formed and marched 
away up the Avenue to quarters, leaving the store cars in charge of 
the guard. 

We found the place quite full of troops. Some eighty thousand 
are said to be in the place and vicinity, and many regiments have 
crossed the river. The rebels are said to be concentrating at Fair- 
fax Court House, — about eighteen miles beyond the Potomac, — 
and many believe that they will soon move upon Washington. 
Beauregard is said to have sixty thousand men there. All the 
regiments here are kept under marching orders, and we are hoping 
and expecting to move across the river soon. 

Quarters for the regiment were not to be found at any one 
place in town, so we are separated tempora'rily, — part of the regi- 
ment at the Union House, and the rest occupying a large unfinished 
building on the Avenue. 

June 20th. — This morning, having exhausted the supply of 
cooked provisions brought with us from Elmira, we were treated to 
a new experience, — having to cook our own rations. It was amusing 
to see some of the boys when the raw beef was dealt out, look at it 



76 CHRONICLES OF THE 

with a what-r««-l-do-with-it sort of expression on their faces. The 
first difficulty, which arose from a paucity of cooking stoves and 
usual culinary apparatus, was obviated with little delay. A few 
fires on the pavement, with the unsoldered halves of some old 
canteens for frying pans, was the result of this necessity for the 
development of latent resources, and when we had prepared our 
rneal and squatted on our knapsacks to enjoy it, I think we all 
rather relished the absence of accustomed accessories. Sleeping on 
the floor, too, with only our blankets for bed and covering, was 
rather hard, but before we had sufficiently rested from our long ride 
we got quite accustomed to it. 

June 2ist.— This morning we were roused by the reveille at 
half-past four. I find that rising early in the morning is much 
easier, costs much less effort than it usually does from our downy 
beds at home. A blanket and the floor will afford tired nature as 
sweet a restorative as ever did a bed of eider down, and one is not 
provoked by its billowy softness to untimely dalliance with morning 
slumbers. When nature is satisfied we rise, refreshed, not ener- 
vated, — and after our primitive ablutions at the corner pump, or 
from a canteen held by an obliging comrade, we are ready at once 
for our other duties. First we put our quarters in order, then 
prepare our morning meal, making our own coffee in our tin cups, 
and very good coffee it is, too, and with our bread and meat, and 
the little additions our pocket money affords us, enjoy a hearty and 
wholesome meal. 

This morning a squad of us went down to the Potomac for a 
swim, near where the new Washington Monument rears its unsightly 
bulk, like all else here, unfinished — like all else, bearing a mournful 
appearance of decay and ruin, as if death had stricken down its 
builders an age ago, while their work was but half done. All the 
waste around is strewed with blocks of stone, as are the grounds 
around the Capitol, as well as every common, square, and many of 
the streets of the city. Moss-grown, rotten columns, bits of cornice, 
and broken capitals, battered and defaced, strew each nook or 
corner, and walking through these streets one might imagine him- 
self in a modern city, built upon the ruins of some Palmyra, and 
whose inhabitants are just waking from a sleep long as that of Rip 
Van Winkle. They don't seem, either, to half relish the unaccus- • 
tomed stir caused by this influx of Yankee enterprise. Just now the 
place is like a hive. The streets are full of soldiers, foot and horse ; 
long trains of covered government wagons trail through the streets. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



// 



their unwieldy wheels making a huge clatter on the rough pave- 
ment, the drivers screaming, cursing each other and their teams, 
and cracking their long whips. These are constantly coming and 
going from and to the camps in the vicinity, and across the river, 
with supplies. Orderlies and staff officers gallop through the 
streets, and cluster around the hotels, and the irrepressible darkey 
grins, yah-yah's, and makes himself a prominent feature everywhere. 

Among the regiments here is the "Garibaldi Guard," made up 
partly of Germans and Frenchmen, and principally of Italians, from 
all the itinerant professions in which these people excel. The 
number of organ grinders and cast peddlers at the North is dimin- 
ished by a few hundred, and they seem to like the exchange much, 
and take easily to the semi- vagrant life of the soldier. The " Fire 
Zouaves," too, swagger through the streets in their picturesque 
costume, looking, with their shaved heads and bronzed faces, like 
veritable Turcos, and adding quite an item to the variety which 
gives bur capital such a cosmopolitan air. 

This morning I visited the Capitol, but far beyond the powers 
of my pen is a description of its internal splendors. Suffice it to 
say, that it went far beyond my anticipations, and, to be appreciated 
in all its magnificence, must be seen. I ascended to the top of the 
frame work upon the dome, and had a most splendid view of the 
city and surrounding country. I could see our advanced posts far 
away in Virginia, and the river dotted with various crafts, until 
below Alexandria, where it was lost in the distance. I could hardly 
realize the fact that hostile armies were almost within reach of my 
eye, and that all that far expanse of country must soon be the 
theatre of one of the most desperate struggles the world has ever 
known. But so it is. 

I then visited the Treasury Buildings and Patent Office, only 
next to the Capitol in grandeur of design and finish, and worthy, 
especially the latter, of a much longer visit. Here we saw the 
uniform worn by Washington at his resignation of the command-in- 
chief, and the sword he always wore in battle, an antiquated looking 
weapon, evidently of oriental make, and plain enough in appearance. 
One of the gentlemanly attendants was so kind as to open the 
cabinet which contained it, and allowed us to handle the sacred 
relic. It was not without emotions of awe and reverence that I 
grasped the blade the hero's hand had wielded, and then how 
fervendy I wished that hand were not dust to-day, and that from it 
this blade might flash once more defiance to the foes of liberty. 



78 CHRONICLES OF THE 

But we can only pray that his mantle may fall upon some one 
worthy to bear it. 

At one o'clock we got into harness, strapped on our knapsacks, 
and started in the hot sun for some place out of town where we were 
to encamp, — a slight disappointment, as we had hoped, when we 
did move, to cross the river. But down the Avenue we went, and 
then up Seventeenth Street, about two miles out of town, and near 
Georgetown, filed off- through a large gate into a shady avenue; 
then to the left up a gentle slope, and halted on the highest part of 
an open plateau, which afforded ample room for camp and drill 
ground, and was the centre of a grove, or rather entirely surrounded 
by trees and shrubbery, affording delightful lounging places for us 
w'hen off duty. After resting until the ground could be staked out, 
we pitched our tents. This spot had just been vacated by some 
Rhode Island regiment. The name of this delightful place, then, 
is Kalorama. 

June 22d. — Our sentinels were stoned last night from across a 
stream, which runs at the foot of the wooded slope behind the 
camp, a demonstration of the sentiments of some of the people we 
have corhe to protect, from what, they hardly realize. Although 
not so intended by them, — and a very poor policy, too, for it does 
us no considerable hurt, while if they kept cover they might do us 
infinite harm, as unsuspected spies, — this is a warning, and already 
I hear that nightly patrols are to beat the neighborhood, lie in wait, 
and watch for any signals or other suspicious demonstrations, and 
arrest any suspicious persons who cannot give a good account o^ 
themselves. 

We like our camping ground the more as we become acquainted 
with its attractions. Among the first of these is a "living" spring* 
of purest water, which wells up among the rocks in a delightful 
grove near the gate, and this grove is already the favorite haunt of 
the boys during the hot hours when off duty. So famous is our 



* From a recent letter written by one of the field officers of the Twenty-First Regiment, we derive 
the following remarkably interesting historical remmiscence of Kalorama, the spot upon which our 
regiment was first encamped, upon its arrival at Washington : 

" This is a place of considerable note in the history of our country, although not celebrated by 
historians. It is the ground on which Washington encamped, previous to the investment of York- 
town. One little incident in connection with that encampment: On his approach to Kalorama, 
when about four miles from the camp, the General observed a darkey, a servant of one of the captains, 
(named "Jim," of course.) who had become very foot-sore and tired with the day's march. His 
master paid no attention to his complaints ; but when General Washington observed the e.xhausled 
condition of the negro, he rode along to his side, questioned him as to the cause of his distress, and 
then jumped from his horse, seized " Jim " by the back of his neck and seat of his trowsers, threw 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 79 

spring that men come from the neighboring camps to fill their 
canteens, and sometimes such a crowd surround it that one must 
wait long for his chance. The sluggish stream below affords quite 
a good bathing place, and there we assemble with soap and towels 
for our morning wash. About sixty men are detailed daily for 
guard duty, and the line surrounds the camp entirely, so that to 
leave its limits one must have the proper permission from its officers. 

All are expecting, and indeed it is quite probable that we shall 
receive orders to march in a day or two, possibly for Fairfax Court 
House, and if we do it will be to fight. We have this morning 
heard cannonading toward the South, and our officers caution us to 
be ready to go at a moment's warning. The enemy's outposts are 
said to be about nine miles off, and we expect to be sent out upon 
picket duty. 

June 26th. — No orders yet. Last night we had quite a lively 
time in camp. Some apprehensions have been felt concerning the 
state of things in Georgetown, and a couple of days since the Mayor 
of the place requested our Colonel to keep a small force in readiness 
in case of a rising there. Two companies, therefore, (" C " and 
" D,"j have orders to sleep with their clothes on and arms in readi- 
ness for instant duty. Last night at twelve, the entire regiment 
were roused by the firing of the sentinels, commenced at the exposed 
posts along the stream I have mentioned, and immediately each 
company formed in its street, and moved quickly to the parade 
ground. All was " dark as pitch,", and the flashes from the muskets 
of excited sentinels, who were blazing away into the woods in all 
directions, only made it more intense. " Load, men," said the 
Colonel, and the jangling of rammers and clicking of locks along 
the line was succeeded by a silence which said " we are ready." 

him bodily upon the horse, and ran forward to get out of the way of his protestations. One ol Jim's 
descendants, an old gray-headed negro, once told me of this circumstance, and the family have been, 
and still are, among the bloods of niggerdom, from this one fact in connection with their history. 

"There is another fact about this place, which makes it of still greater interest to me. At the 
time when Washington took command of the army at Cambridge, there was a regiment raised near 
here in Virginia, and ordered to rendezvous at Kalorama till the regimental organization could be 
perfected. When they got ready to march to join the army, one company, commanded by a Captain 
Baden or Boden, lingered behind the balance of the regiment, and gathered around the spring near 
the entrance of the grounds. Here each took an oath, and pledged himself to his comrades, that 
whoever of the party should be alive fifty years from that day, would meet at the camp spring. The 
time came round, and three old and decrepid men met on that spot, the sole survivors of the 
company that fifty years before had promised there to meet. The present owner of the estate, a Mr. 
Fletcher, witnessed that meeting of three, and he told me himself that it was the most affecting scene 
he had ever witnessed. On this ground Commodore Decatur and Baron fought their celebrated 
duel. There are also buried on this same historical ground, two of the original signers of the 
Declaration of Independence. Their names I have forgotten." — Buffalo Express, Aug. isi, iStii. 



8o CHRONICLES OF THE 

Meantime squads were scouring the vicinity, investigating the alarm, 
and feeUng through the darkness for its cause. But no further trace 
of the attacking party could be found, and upon investigation it 
appeared that a few stones fired at the guard on the creek, had 
provoked them to return the favor with lead. Instantly the whole 
line took up the gauntlet. Every bush, log or stone, was instinct 
with life and fancied terrors. Boughs crawled and squirmed along 
the ground, seeking deadly cover from which to draw certain aim 
upon the startled sentinel, who hastened to be beforehand with his 
skulking foe, and then felt his heart beat heavy as he seemed to 
hear the last sigh of his victim, — very much like the wind rustling 
through the bushes. One of the poor fellows hailed the relief with 
" I've killed him! Oh, I've killed him! out therey A search of 
the place indicated revealed no weltering assassin, but next morning 
a stump barked and chipped with bullets, showed how one would 
have fared in its place. 

Outlying parties will hereafter prevent these sallies, and when 
we are again aroused it will probably be with good cause. The 
story of this seemingly occasionless alarm may excite some ridicule 
at home, but let those laugh who have tried the thing, and we won't 
murmur. Let it be remembered that we have heard that of our 
surroundings here which ought to make us watchful. Men have 
been shot at night on these very posts, as we were told by the 
regiment last here, and with the recollection of such narratives fresh 
in his memory, a man may be excused for believing the conjurings 
of his imagination, prompted by darkness and possible danger. 
A little more experience will teach him to wait for the certainty of 
its necessity, before giving an alarm. 

It is a fact difficult to credit, but both Washington and George- 
town are full of secessionists, and nearly every night our scouts are 
known to report this one proof of the fact, that lights, evidently — 
from their arrangement and the time and manner of their appear- 
ance, — intended as signals, are shown occasionally from various 
points. These are so managed as not to be visible in their immedi- 
ate neighborhood, and of course it is an almost hopeless undertaking 
to attempt to find the parties thus giving aid to our enemies. Yet 
the scouts are numerous and watchful, and some of these traitors 
may yet have an opportunity of stretching hemp as an example to 
sneaks. 

Yesterday a man was taken while attemtping to cross the 
Potomac below the Long Bridge, in a small boat. Some suspicion 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 8l 

induced the officers in charge of the bridge to cause his arrest. On 
his person were found plans of all the encampments around Wash- 
ington, ours among the rest, and a report as to the number and 
condition of the men, how armed, by whom commanded, and also 
several letters, some of them addressed to a well known lawyer of 
this place. He was put in irons and confined, for what fate we can 
imagine. 

There are some slight indications of dissatisfaction among the 
men, confined, however, to a certain set who seem to care little for 
the cause they have espoused. At least I judge such to be the 
case, or they would be ashamed to murmur at the little privations 
we have to endure here. The more reasonable find cause for 
wonder at the prompt and comparatively plentiful and excellent 
provision made by the government at so short notice, and with its 
hampered resources. After all, I think the chief ground of com- 
plaint is that we are kept back here. An order to march just now 
would make all contented. 

Thanks to the excellent care of our Surgeons, we are compara- 
tively free from fevers or other sickness usual to the change of 
climate we have made. A few cases of ague and fever we have, 
and now and then one of those resulting from unlimited indulgence 
in the unwholesome stuff vended by the peddlers who frequent the 
camp. -Upon the whole, I think the general health of the regiment 
is better then when at Elmira. We have t\yo cases of gun-shot 
wounds, both accidental. One promises to be serious, that of 
William J. Cook, of Black Rock, belonging to Capt Strong's 
Company, who was wounded in the cars near Baltimore, by the 
accidental discharge of a musket in the hands of a comrade. 
Fayette Warriner, of " B," was hurt in the same way during the 
last night's alarm. 

Adjutant Sternberg met with an adventure this morning, which 
might have been very serious in its consequences to him, as well as 
depriving us of a good officer, one of a kind not easily spared. Our 
Colonel and Lieut.-Colonel being unwell, the command for the day 
devolved upon Major Drew. The adjutant rides a very spirited 
horse, and just as he was leaving camp with the usual morning 
report for General Mansfield, a fragment of newspaper, blown about 
by the wind, made a sudden sally from under a wagon, upon the 
flank of our unexpectant rider. Whether the result of a feint, or a 
combination of equine movements not laid down in any tactics, and 
unfamiliar to our Adjutant, we say not, but somehow horse and he 



82 CHRONICLES OF THE 

parted company. Alighting on one's head and shoulders from a 
somewhat elevated starting point, and especially when that kind of 
contact with mother earth is aided by the momentum acquired in 
two or three distinct gyrations between saddle and sod, cannot fail 
to cause some disturbance in the toughest of heads. It is not 
slander to say that the Adjutant came up slightly " groggy." It is 
not unjust to declare that he was somewhat " demoralized." But 
here we stop, without, indeed, adding the charge of profanity, for 
that was natural and to be expected. So the enemy retired in good 
order, and magnanimously allowed his victim to regain his com- 
posure and his horse. 

Shortly afterward our boys had an opportunity of spotting one 
of those dirty things, — a rebel sympathizer, — one of that class, 
whose title to our detestation consists in their being not the one 
thing, and a great deal worse than the other, — men who have not 
the manhood to sacrifice all interests to their principles, for even 
when those are a mistake and crime, if sincerity be with them, they 
are entitled to some respect. But these things who remain where 
none but loyal men should be, and whose virulent hatred of the 
right sometimes rises from the depth of its dark plottings to 
something like a semblance of honest expressions, deserve none of 
the courtesies of war. Justice, in dealing with them, should forget 
her sword and substitute a rope. One of these creatures so far 
forgot himself this morning, as to air his sentiments in the hearing 
of certain of our men. Bad whisky committed treason toward this 
traitor, and is therefore entitled to credit for one good thing. He 
vaunted the bravery of the men of the South, declared the 
Northerners a pack of cowards who would be glad to get home safe 
after one fair trial, and wound up by declaring himself a strong 
secessionist. That was enough. To his astonishment and disgust. 
Corporal Harper, of " F," took him by the hair, and led him to the 
guard-house, and neither his Southern blood nor the whisky he 
had taken could fire this specimen of the chivalry to one effort in 
self defence. His little darkey, team, and wagon, immediately left 
for parts unknown, and by this time, probably, these items of 
personal property have merged into one,— the darkey, — and he 
will be in no haste to render an account of his stewardship. When 
taken before the Colonel for examination, our spunky Southerner 
declared his right to his own opinions, and a free ventilation of the 
same ; but as the Colonel could not agree with him, and told him * 
furthermore, that if he persisted in such talk the boys might take a 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 83 

fancy to ornament some convenient tree with his pendant carcase, 
his noisy valor dwindled to a very becoming- discretion. Finally, 
he was started oft" under a guard for the city, Gen. Mansfield having 
nice ways of his own for scotching these vipers. 

Camp life is getting easier for us. Between the wearing oft" of 
novelty, and the ease acquired by being perfectly inured, there must 
be an interval when some fortitude shall be needed under a soldier's 
privations. This interval we are now passing, and I am happy to 
observe that our men generally show no lack of that fortitude. 
Yet there are unworthy exceptions. 

July 3d. — To-day, Lieut. Adams, our State paymaster estab- 
lished himself in a shanty back of the Colonel's tent, and the hearts 
of our needy fellows were gladdened by the settlement of their 
accounts with the State of New York. The pay due for the time we 
were in the State service, from May 9th to 19th inclusive, amounted 
to but four dollars and three cents, but even that sum, paltry, as it 
seems, is a godsend to those of our boys who, as Private Britton 
says, " have worn their pockets out feeling for a piece." This 
afternoon, in spite of the increased precautions against smuggling, 
some whisky has evidently effected an entrance into camp, and the 
guard line has not proved as efficient as usual. An unusual influx 
of irregular sutlers, too, and the thousand varieties of the harpy 
tribe, who smell a pay-day afar oft", come swarming about the camp, 
and this modicum of pocket money will very soon change hands. 

It is a fact, no longer to be ignored, that a dangerous element 
of insubordination is rife among some of the men. They claim 
undue liberty, and are loud in their complaints, cursing the fare and 
the restrictions necessary to discipline. Some of these have written 
home such statements of matters here, as will cause great uneasiness 
among our friends.* These are only worthy of notice in proportion 
to the harm they will do, and I should much prefer to ignore them 
altogether, but truth demands that they be spoken of On the 



*As to the complaints made concerning the meagre rations, they are unjust to our Quarter- 
master, who has discharged the onerous duties of his position with a perseverance which doe's him 
credit, and but for which we should surely suffer. Every day, each company, of 74 men, receives 
either 55 pounds 8 ounces of pork or bacon, or 92 poynds 8 ounces of fresh beef; 74 i8-ounce loaves 
of bread ; 5 quarts 7 gills of beans, or 7 pounds 6 ounces of rice ; the same weight of coffee ; 1 1 pounds 
I ounce of white sugar ; 2 quarts and i gill of vinegar ; i quart and 5 gills of salt ; 2 pounds and 15 
ounces of soap ; and 12 ounces of candles. All of these articles are of the very best quality. By 
disposing of the surplus, each company is enabled to make a fund for the purch.ise of vegetables and 
other accustomed comforts and luxuries. Here is an instance: on the 12th, Co. " H " sold out of 
ten days' rations, pork, &c., amounting to six dollars,— enough to buy a plentiful supply of vegetables 
for that time. 



84 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Other hand there are some incompetent and unworthy men in 
authority. The only way is to bear all petty grievances of this 
nature, and wait patiently for time and service to sift out or solten 
down all these. There are in this, as in all other commands, men 
who enlisted from any but worthy motives. These are tired of the 
service, anxious to get out of it, and determined to do so on the 
first opportunity. For their actions none but themselves are 
responsible, but they don't end there. If they persist in them they 
will hopelessly disgrace the regiment. As to our camp discipline, 
these very men who complain are the cause of its being so strict. 

Our drill is necessarily hard, preparing as we are for immediate 
active service. For nearly two weeks past we have drilled in 
batallion two hours, from five to seven, in the morning ; then, after 
breakfast, company drill from ten till twelve ; and after dinner, from 
two till four. The intervals we pass in the shade, stripped, — officers 
and all, — to our underclothing, and even then the heat is almost 
unbearable. At eight in the morning it is like a summer noon, such 
as we have been accustomed to, and four o'clock is the heat of the 
day. After dress parade we usually have another drill in batallion, 
which lasts till dark. 

A re-inspection of the regiment has lately been in progress, in 
accordance with the following General Order from the General in 
command of the Department pf Washington : 

Headquarters Department of Washington. 

Washington, D. C, May 17th, 1S61. 
General Order No. 25. 

It being represented that under the fervor of the moment, many patriotic persons 
have enrolled themselves in the volunteer regiments, independent batallions and 
companies, who are physically incomp.etent, by reason of disease, malformations and 
other infirmities, as well as by non-age, to perform the rough duties of soldiers, tlie 
commandants of all such corps will, carefully assisted by the medical ofificers of the 
same, re-inspect their men, and report for orders to discharge every individual in ill 
health, or found too feeble for the service. 

By command of Brig. Gen. Mansfield. 

THEO. TALBOT. 

Asst. Adjutant- General. 

Not only was the inspection at Elmira insufficiently rigid, 
perhaps, but the warm climate and other causes, since the removal 
of the regiment to Washington, have in some instances developed 
complaints and physical weaknesses which were undiscovered 
before. That the rigid inspection now instituted does not throw 
out a greater number of men than is indicated by the following list, 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 85 

shows that the regiment was made up of pretty robust material : 
Q^^ " A "—Sergeant Wm. H. WilHams. Co. " B "—Private George 
W. Owen. Co. " C "—Privates James P. Hoffman, Wm. Archer, 
Luther G. Woodward. Co. " D "—Privates Daniel Morrison, 
Napoleon Lamere, Jacob Shick, George Duer, Horace Firman, 
Felix K. Mayburn. Co. " E "—Privates Jas. Milham, Harry 
Beebee. Co. " F" — Privates William D. Lucas, Chas. E. Holman, 
—discharged at Elmira. Co. " G "—Privates John W.Hughes, 
Nelson Wade, D. J. Barrows. Co. " K "—Privates Royal Colby, 
Joseph Reid. Co. " I "—Privates John Myers, John Freymiller, 
Edward McGowan. 

Sometimes we have tremendous thunder storms, when the rain 
comes down in torrents, and woe to him who has neglected to have 
his tent properly ditched. One night we awoke to find the water 
making a clean sweep across the floor of our tent. We were not 
tired enough to sleep in it, so we sallied out with bayonets, knives, 
hatchets, any thing handy, and tried by ditching to persuade part 
of the water to take another direction. Unacquainted with the 
proper manner of doing the thing, our efforts were chiefly successful 
in directing small rivers under neighboring tents, whose occupants, 
in their turn, would bank it out and turn it over to some one else. 
The night was passed in these efforts, and next day ditching was 
reduced to a system. A deep ditch on each side of the company 
street, and one around each tent, made a future invasion of the 
waters impossible. 

July 8th. — Last night we were ordered to pack knapsacks and 
be ready for a march. We have been expecting a move for two 
weeks, and it must come soon. Last night we heard distant 
cannonading across the river, and have news to-day of a fight near 
Fairfax Court House. The guard is now increased to one hundred 
and twenty men, and no one allowed to leave camp but the Colonel. 
Probably our march will be in the night. Our place is in the centre 
(Gen. McDowell's) division, and our brigade is the second, 
commanded by Col. Davis, of the U. S. Army. It is cheering to 
see the changed demeanor of the men under these prospects of 
speedy service. No more grumbling, nothing heard but expressions 
of satisfaction and mutual congratulations. 

J^ast Thursday being the eighty-fifth anniversary of the birth 
ot American Freedom, was fitly celebrated with us by a review 
of the troops in Washington and vicinity. Over twenty thousand 
patriots roused at reveille on that day, and prepared to do and 



86 CHRONICLES OF THE 

appear their best, as Gen. Scott himself, with his staff, the President 
and his Cabinet, were to witness the parade. Determined to 
continue to deserve the encomiums so often lavished upon their 
soldierly appearance, the boys outdid their previous efforts in 
elaborate preparation. Every knapsack was neatly packed, and 
care taken to make them of uniform dimensions, and every article 
of uniform neatly brushed, belts and boots polished to the last 
degree, and buttons and brass plates made to glitter under a 
vigorous application of brush and chalk. The muskets, too, shone 
like silver, and were clean to that degree that our gloves of unsullied 
white need fear no blemish from their contact. 

I think I may say without vanity that our regiment appeared 
splendidly. I know that we never did better. As we wheeled into 
the Avenue I heard many complimentary remarks from the crowd, 
and my Captain, as he faced us while wheeling, exclaimed 
delightedly, " Bully, boys. Bully T 

In passing the stand in front of the White House, although 
every head was steadily to the front, some could not resist a furtive 
glance at our noble old Commander-in-chief as he stood up in front, 
the President by his side, and looking, in his favorite cocked hat 
and golden epaulettes, like the impersonation of the glorious past, 
of which he is a relic. He was scanning with eagle eye, a cahn 
satisfaction glowing in his honest old tace, the passing ranks so 
proudly conscious of his gaze. May God spare him in our time 
of need, and when that time is past, may he live long in the hearts 
of the nation. 

July nth. — ^No move yet. This morning at seven we fell in 
and were marched through the city to the Arsenal, our errand being 
to exchange our old muskets for others of a later make, — Harper's 
Ferry, 1852. The new ones are not much better, however, than 
the old, except in appearance, and we are told that we shall only 
keep these until rifles can be procured. 

One has only to walk through the grounds surrounding the 
Arsenal to see the immense preparations in progress for arming the 
Federal forces. Everywhere they are obstructed by accumulations 
of guns, carriages and caissons, piles of balls and shell, and all the 
murderous apparatus required in the vigorous and. successful 
prosecution of" glorious war." Guns of immense calibre are piled 
here, or lie quietly side by side, as if as yet unconscious of their 
terrors. Some of them are mounted on the water's edge, and seem 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



87 



Staring with blank, stolid eye away down the river, to where hostile 
batteries even now obstruct the freedom of the waters. 

From this point the new pieces are tested, targets being placed 
in the river a couple of miles below. 

Here, too, are seen a number of old pieces, trophies of the 
different engagements in which they were captured. Some of these, 
of peculiar make and elaborately engraved, are from Mexico. 
Dismounted, robbed of their terrors, like a group of superannuated 
pensioners, they pass a harmless old age in prating of the days gone 
by. In the wind, their battered muzzles are ever sighing over 
reminiscences of fields lost and won, and if you listen closely, you 
may hear in their hollow murmurings, like echoes from far off 
battle fields, the faint, thought-like repetition of their unforgotten 
thunders. Glorious days when Scott was young, may you yet find 
renewal in his sere and yellow leaf! 




CHRONICLES OF THE 



CHAPTER IV. 

We cross the Potomac. — Fort Runyon. — An advance ot the Army. — The fight at Bull Run.— What 
we saw at Fort Runyon, the day after. — The defence of Washington. — An interval of quiet. — 
Strengthening our position. — The 20th of August, and what occurred. — Fort Jackson. — The 
Advance. — Camp Buffalo. — Picket Duty. 

AT my last writing we were expecting orders, having been noti- 
fied that we were to hold ourselves in readiness to march 
at a moment's notice. These orders were repeated on the 13th, and 
on Sunday, the 14th, while we were preparing for services, the 
orders came. In a twinkling the camp was alive with the bustle of 
preparation. Blankets and overcoats were rolled, and knapsacks 
packed, and all the miscellaneous "traps" bundled into transport- 
able shape. At twelve o'clock a train of twenty-five baggage 
wagons filed into the grounds, and in less than an hour every tent 
was struck, rolled round its poles — most of the boys managing to 
smuggle their surplus clothing into the folds — and with the other 
luggage, piled into the wagons. 

We then formed in line, and taking a " last fond look" at the 
spot grown so familiar to us, we slowly filed out at the gate, the 
baggage fell in the rear, and the most skeptical were convinced 
that the long wished for and promised march was at last before us. 
But neither Manassas nor Fairfax, as we shortly learned, was to be 
our present destination, but a certain Fort Runyon, which no one 
seemed to know where to locate, and which we therefore fondly 
hoped was somewhere within the actual tramping ground of " ye 
rebels." 

It was quite a warm day, and we all felt thankful that we 
hadn't to carry our knapsacks, which had providentially found 
room in the wagons; so we joggeci along at an easy pace, songs, 
jokes and laughter enlivening our way, and all " happy as clams " 
at being again on the move. At the Long Bridge we were joined 
by squads of the boys who had been passing the day in Washing- 
ton. Most of these had run the guard to get away, but were 
forgiven in view of the eagerness they had shown in their efforts 
not to be left behind. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 89 

The bridge, already famous in telegraph reports, is about a 
mile in length, one half being a sort of causeway, and the rest an 
ordinary frame and plank structure, resting on stone abutments. 
Near the Virginia shore is a di'aw, through which the river craft 
pass to and from the anchorage at Georgetown. It is guarded at 
present by regulars. From here, although not one of great 
variety, the scene is delightful. To the right, away toward the 
Chain Bridge, the hills, beautifully blue, span the distance, while 
across the quiet, glittering waters, the low Virginia shore is fringed 
with richest foliage. Away beyond the bend of the river on the 
other hand, are seen the bare ridges of " My Maryland," and the 
blue sky mirror between is dotted with sharply picked out sails, 
glowing in the light of the westering sun. 

Leaving the bridge about half a mile behind, we were marched 
through a stockade which extended across the road, and halted. 
This was Fort Runyon. " What a fall was there, my country- 
men ! " To start with one's energies screwed up to anticipated 
days and nights of forced marching, pleasantly diversified with a 
little fight now and then, and by and by a big one, or at least with 
sky tinted bivouacs and picket duty ; and then to have to come 
down to eight miles and a fort at the end. Shades of Valley 
Forge, smile not! We emulate your trials, and may yet suffer 
gloriously. In the meantime, let us be comfortable while we may. 

So, after a rest and a council of the leading minds, we stacked 
arms, unloaded the wagons, and proceeded to pitch our tents upon 
a vacant spot of about three acres in the centre. While we were 
doing this twilight came on, and we had hardly finished when night 
closed in on us. Lights gleamed all over the miniature city, which 
had risen round us as if by magic. Against the red glow which 
sunset had left in the western sky, the black masses of entrench- 
ments rose in boldest relief, broken only here and there by the 
forms of the slow pacing sentinels between the heavy guns, which 
loomed up grimly as if watching for an expected foe. By and by 
all grew still, and at the tap of the drum the lights went out, and 
the boys of the Twenty-first rolled themselves in their blankets, 
and sought repose — " laid them down to pleasant dreams," of glory 
on the " tented field." And thus passed our first night in Virginia. 

Next morning all were astir at an early hour, and intent on 
examining all accessible parts of the fortifications. I will describe 
them. They are laid out so as to encircle the intersection of the 
Arlington and Alexandria roads, near the bridge. Where the roads 



90 CHRONICLES OF THE 

cut through the works they are stockaded, and a strong stockade 
commands the marsh between us and the river. Elsewhere they 
are substantial earthworks, laid out in the most scientific manner. 
These are the same commenced by the Seventh New York, and 
nearly completed by Runyon's New Jersey Volunteers. On the 
south and west they rise to quite a commanding height, and al- 
together cover an area of about twelve acres. They are mounted 
with heavy cannon, principally thirty-two and sixty-four pound 
pieces, on barbette carriages, — -one fine rifled piece of the former 
calibre commanding the approach from Alexandria. The position 
commands the bridge and river, as well as the country in the direc- 
tion of Fairfax. 

July i6th. — This afternoon a continuous line of troops has been 
passing through here. A rifled piece and a regiment of light in- 
fantry came in from the west of us, and took the road to Alexandria, 
and several regiments came across the bridge, and took the road 
toward the west. They belong to McDowell's division, — in which 
we are included, — and went in the following order: First,' the 2d 
Rhode Island Regiment, with six brass field pieces ; next, the ist 
Regiment from the same State, the 2d New Hampshire, and 71st 
New York Regiments, — the last with two brass howitzers; then a 
detachment of U. S. Marines, the Union (Rochester) Regiment, and 
last, the DeKalb (German) Regiment of New York. They did not 
know their destination, but supposed they were going to Fairfax, 
and it is reported among our men that we are to follow immediately. 

July 25th.— A great battle has been fought, and the field is not 
ours. Fondly as we hoped that this first great issue might turn in 
our favor, dearly, as its thinned ranks to-day testify to the will of 
our brave little army, the day is lost, and a nation mourns the thou- 
sands of her sons sleeping now their long sleep, where hostile feet 
tramp ruthlessly above their honored graves. 

Where the blame lies, who can tell ? Patterson, it is said, failed 
to bring his reinforcements up, and Johnson was permitted to join 
Beauregard. That may not have been the fatal mistake of the day, 
if mistake it was. One of those causeless panics, which sometimes 
seize upon even disciplined troops, is said.to have turned the tide 
just as it seemed to be setting irresistibly in our favor. After the 
glorious results of the preceding day, after performing wonders of 
valor, and just as victory was within their reach, this horrible panic, 
originating among the teamsters, and spreading rapidly from line to 
line, merged the hour of success into one of inglorious defeat. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 9I 

On Tuesday night, July i6th, Gen. McDowell's army moved 
upon the enemy. Without check, Fairfax and Centreville were 
occupied, a few slight skirmishes only showing that the enemy were 
keeping just beyond our reach. The force in front was a matter of 
conjecture, but knowing that the enemy could not but be in strong 
force at this point, so long threatened, and with his facilities for 
ascertaining our own, it was beyond doubt that our army would 
meet an enemy at least its equal in numbers, and with the immense 
advantage of a choice of position and chance to fortify. 

In the neighborhood of Centreville the enemy abandoned some 
considerable fortifications, and sought only to retard our advance 
by felling trees across the roads,— but these were speedily removed. 
On the night of Wednesday our army lay ready for instant battle, in 
the neighborhood of these two towns. 

On Thursday, the iSth, the advance was resumed. Four miles 
beyond Centreville, at a stream called Bull Run, Gen. Tyler, with 
his brigade, came upon the enemy. The first intimation of his 
vicinity was from a masked battery, which opened a raking fire 
upon his advance, killing the horses attached to one of the guns of 
Sherman's battery. The battery was, however, brought off safely, 
and then, while Richardson's brigade reconnoitered the woods. Gen. 
Tyler ordered a battery into position on the top of a hill, and the 
fight commenced. All day the batteries exchanged their deadly 
fire, while in the woods the skirmishers of both armies kept up an 
unceasing fusilade, until night closed upon the scene. 

Our loss thus far had been small, — some forty killed and sixty 
wounded, making up the total report of casualties for the day. 

On Friday and Saturday no demonstration was made from 
either side, McDowell reconnoitering, and the enemy reinforcing 
and extending his line to avoid a flank movement. 

On Sunday morning at two the advance was resumed. Col. 
Richardson held with artillery the position established on Thurs- 
day ; Col. Heintzleman passing to his left, and flanking the rebel 
batteries from the south. McDowell's main force passed to the 
right and north of Bull Run, on the other side of which the enemy 
were posted in entrenchments, strongly mounted with cannon, and 
well supported with infantry. One by one successive batteries were 
carried, only to find that others commanded them further on ; but 
the heroism of our troops was undaunted, and the dispatches of Sun- 
day afternoon closed with the report that Col. Heintzleman was far 
in advance, and shelling the entrenchments at Manassas Junction. 



92 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Now let us turn back to the little force of patriots waiting at 
Runyon, anxiously waiting for their own chance in the game. On 
that Tuesday night, when McDowell's advance was made, the troops 
were continuously passing through and moving rapidly to the west 
and south. During the anxious days that followed we were ex- 
pecting to be relieved, as it was reported that new troops were to 
garrison the fort, while we were to be sent to the front. 

That Sunday morning dawned brightly on the day that was not 
to be one of rest, and at the very hour when we knew that the bells 
of their native villages were calling to prayer, from that distant field 
came the low sullen boom of cannon, and we knew that there our 
brave comrades were thinking that from far off homes prayers for 
their keeping were going up to the God of battles. All day long 
the western parapet was lined with men. They could not see even 
the sulphurous cloud above the field, but momentarily came the 
reverberation, — often more felt than heard, — of the heavy pieces; 
now a single thunderous wave of the heavy air, and again a succes- 
sion of mutterings, as though the hills spoke from their shaken 
centres. 

Couriers from the field brought almost hourly some new word 
of cheer. Beauregard's line was broken; batteries were yielding to 
impetuous charges; the day was surely ours; and cheers hailed 
each of these riders, and again dismissed him on his way with the 
good news. Lieut. Col. Root, who had been almost frantic at the 
non-arrival of orders for the regiment to advance, rode forward with 
others to Arlington, and there could be heard distinctly the fitful 
rattle of the musketry. The day was still, not a cloud in the sky ; 
the little air stirring seemed only a ripple from the battle-field. In 
the west, the sky near the horizon was dull and coppery at sunset, 
and the boys said "we shall have rain; that will "be a good thing 
for the wounded." And then darkness came on, and the last lingerer 
left the parapet and joined the groups in the company streets. Sad- 
ness was there, foi we remembered the sufferers that day had made. 
Then, too, the fiela vas fought and won, we thought, and where 
was the share we ha^ hoped to have in its result ? Little did we 
think that our part would be to shelter and care for the broken rem- 
nant of the army we had seen marching so proudly to the field. 

For more than a week we had been under orders to be ready 
for a march, consequently each company kept at least one day's 
cooked rations in advance. The cooks' fires were now burning 
brightly, preparing these for the coming day. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 93 

That night I was on guard ; my post was the south gate, and 
mine was the second relief, consequently I was posted at eleven. 
Until after midnight the camp was still as usual; then there was 
some stir at the other gates, and a hurrying to and fro of lights, but 
thinking it only some ordinary occurrence usual to the camp, I paid 
litrie attention to it. Soon after twelve, I halted a rider who came 
in hot haste from toward Alexandria. His panting and steaming 
horse, and excited bearing, made me ask if he brought news from 

the field. r u » 

" I suppose the army will reach your fort by daylight. 
Astonished at his words, and hardly comprehending, I asked,— 

" What army ?" 

" What army ?" repeated he. " Don't you know that ojir army 

is beaten and in full retreat?" 

And with an oath he put spurs to his jaded beast, while I with 
a sinking heart resumed my beat, but not to pace it lightly as an 

hour before. 

At one I was relieved, and stacked arms with my relief at the 
bridge gate, where the guard quarters were. I learned that during 
the last two hours many carriages, with flying civilians, who had 
gone out the day before to see the fight, had passed through the 
fort from the west gate to the bridge. These had brought the most 
terrible tales of the defeat and rout of our army. It was now rain- 
ing a litde, and I crept under the sheltering front of a suder's shed 
and slept. I knew I should see more than enough of horrors by 
daylight, and we might have little enough time for rest. 

At three I awoke, and then the dismal cortege was swelhng the 
road. Lines of government wagons, ambulances, and confiscated 
conveyances of all kinds, were passing through, freighted with their 
precious loads of suffering. Men were lying in these wagons, in all 
the contorted attitudes of agony. Some slept, or were past all suf- 
fering. Covered with blood, grimed with powder, and dust, and 
smoke, whether silent in the apathy of despair, or feebly moaning 
out their pain, these mangled forms spoke loudly to our hearts. 

Capt. Layton, who was field officer of the day, had received an 
order signed by General Scott, direcdng him to let none pass the 
gate toward Washington, except the wounded and those bearing 
especial passes,— so now the advance of the army began to accumu- 
late within the defences. Worn, pale and exhausted, in almost as 
bad a plight as the wounded, these weary fellows would lie down in 
the road, among the tents, anywhere, and sleep despite the rain, as 



94 CHRONICLES OF THE 

though they never meant to wake again. They would not walk ten 
steps for shelter. 

Our rations, cooked last night, were already devoured by the 
hungry crowd, some of whom had not tasted food for twenty-four 
hours; and even these wavered between the two demands of nature, 
— food and sleep. I saw them go to sleep with their mouths full 
of hard tack and pork, — wake to take another dreamy nibble, and 
then fall asleep again. All the kettles in camp were put in requisi- 
tion, and pork and coffee disappeared as fast as it could be dealt 
out. Nearly all the stragglers I observed were wounded, more or 
less severely, and many had evinced wonderful fortitude. One 
noble looking fellow I saw, was minus an arm ; it was his left, and 
had been taken off above the elbow. That man had his musket on 
his shoulder, and had carried it all through that weary night march 
of twenty-seven miles. I mention this one instance ; we saw hun- 
dreds. Their appearance did not agree with the idea of a rout. 
The entire remnant of regiments and batteries came in together, and 
in good order, — all accounted for. There were some stragglers 
who had not been wounded. 

Morning dawned on the scene. We should hardly have known 
our usually quiet little fort, for everywhere within and without were 
grouped around their colors the broken cohorts of the Union. All 
the tents were full of sleeping men, not of the Twenty-First, for no 
one of them slept. All were busy in various ways, — some caring 
for the wounded, details were preparing the heavy guns for action, 
carrying shot and shell from the magazines, and in sailor phrase, 
" clearing for action," for all expected that the rebel army would 
soon knock at the portals of Washington, and we were determined 
they should not want a welcome. For more than a week we had 
been drilled at these, under Capt. Seymour, of Fort Sumter fame, 
and we felt that it would be a glorious privilege to check the inso- 
lent Beauregard, and teach him his limits. 

Drs. Wilcox and Peters, bloody as butchers, untiring in their 
humanity, examined all the wounded, and relieved whom they could. 
Amputating limbs, extracting balls, and dressing wounds, kept them 
and their volunteer assistants constantly busy.* And there was little 

* Among these, Dr. William Treat, of Buffalo, was one of the most untiring and efficient. So 
exhausted with their fatiguing duties, and worn with their cares thus far, were the Surgeons from 
the field, that although willing they could do little. One of these fainted in the attempt, and was 
much more in need of help than able to give it. Dr. Treat, who was at the time a visitor, endeared 
himself to those who witnessed his efforts during those three sad days succeeding the fight. Most 
appropriate was this as one of the closing scenes of a useful career, for he died within the year, and 
his fitting monument is now in the grateful memories of the many who then experienced his care. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 95 

or none of that selfishness one might expect among such a mass of 
sufferers. Each waiting patiently for his turn, and when it came, 
would perhaps ask that some one whom he fancied had greater need 
should be cared for first. This often happened. And sometimes a 
man severely wounded would lead up a captured horse, with a 
maimed comrade strapped upon his back, and in whose care he 
seemed to forget all care for himself. What nobler spectacle than 
this will one see among all the glorious things of war! What surer 
test of the kind of men who have taken the burden of their country's 
weal ! 

At nine, being relieved from guard duty, I was detailed with a 
number of men from each company, to work on an unfinished para- 
pet in the marsh on the river side. Here we labored with pick and 
spade until noon. After a slight dinner, snatched in the hurry of 
preparation, "D" and "C" having been detailed for picket duty, 
fell in and took the road toward Fairfax. At Ball's Cross Roads, 
seven miles out, having passed the last of our retreating forces, we 
halted, Company " C " having stopped about three miles back, at 
Arlington Mills. Here we found the Oswego Regiment, also on 
picket duty. Our company took the cross roads, while the Oswe- 
goes deployed along the road across our rear. The rain fell drearily ; 
the mud was ankle deep, the probability of an advance of the 
enemy in force seemed small. 

It was now nearly dark. After posting the pickets the reserve 
sought shelter. At that time there were still standing an old dwell- 
ing, and by its side a smithy, which appeared to have been long 
unused. The forge was partly broken down, but we got some dry 
wood, and soon had a blazing fire dancing in the chimney. This 
place was occupied by " D." Over head in the old shop, a part of 
the floor was remaining, and although the soot was deep, and we 
hardly dared inspect our sleeping place, yet with some crowding to 
avoid the dripping places in the roof, we managed to be quite com- 
fortable. The glow of the fire soon thawed us into pretty good 
humor, and secure that our outposts were sufficient to make a sur- 
prise impossible, we composed ourselves to sleep. 

Thus we passed the night, the extreme outer guard of the 
army ; a post of some responsiblity and danger, — at least we com- 
placently agreed that such was the case. No foe disturbed our 
slumber at unreasonable hour, but with our harness on, and loaded 
muskets in our arms, we slept defiantly. 



96 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Next morning, July 23d, we turned out bright and early, and 
somewhat disappointed at not having been roused by a midnight 
attack. However, we learned that a scout had reported that famous 
Black Horse Cavalry as having been within two miles of our post. 
After drying our clothes and cleaning our muskets, we reconnoitered 
the neighborhood. As our crackers and pork had become some- 
what sodden in the rain, we foraged, individually and in squads, for 
something to eat. The best evidence of the ?norale of our army lay 
in the fact that none of the people on the route of its retreat had 
suffered any loss. At a farm house we were served with a plentiful 
meal of good corn cakes, with pork and potatoes, and excellent milk, 
for which we gladly paid, although it was not asked. 

At noon we received orders to fall back to Arlington Mills, so 
bi'dding good-by to our little " Fort Alberger," as we had christened 
the old shop, we abandoned it to the mercy of the enemy. Com- 
pany " C " had remained back during the night, to guard the Alex- 
andria & Orange Rail Road, where it crossed the road from Run- 
yon, at the Mills, and there we joined them. A stone substructure 
and broken water wheel were all that remained of the mill, standing 
in a hollow which, except where the road crossed it, was densely 
wooded. There was a slight bridge, and beyond this the rail road. 
Close in the rear of the rail road the trees stood thick, and here we 
took our position. A mounted enemy, to approach us, must defile 
along the road by the mill, and across the bridge, (which had been 
mined,) and thus could be raked to great advantage, while unable 
from his position, to do us much harm. We now threw our pickets 
up and down the rail road, and waited for something to turn up. 
At twelve a scout came in to warn us of the approach of the enemy's 
cavalry, and our pickets were drawn in. All the morning we of the 
reserve had been at work, felling trees along behind the rail road, 
and making a substantial breastwork, " C " to the right of the road, 
and " D " to the left, and after each man had arranged his place 
behind it, cleared away intervening limbs, and securely masked his 
position, it looked so neat and defensible that one could not help 
feeling a wish to see it tried. 

Shortly after noon a section of Barry's battery, commanded 
by Capt. Webb, came up, planted their pieces in the road, in line 
with our barricade, and masked them with boughs. From here 
they could rake the bridge and the road beyond. And now, when 
nothing more could be done to make our position stronger, we 
waited anxiously. The afternoon waned slowly, while we smoked, 



TWEXTY-FIRST REGniENT. 97 

chatted, and picked the blackberries which grew plentifully along 
the road. And then night came, on,— and again it was morning,— 
and now we began to think that we should, after all, not seethe 
enemy this time. Yet all were disappointed when orders came for 
us to return to the fort, and there was no little grumbling at our ill 
luck as the boys fell in. 

At the fort, things have resumed their usual course. It is the 
calm after the storm. The wreck cleared away, and all hands rest- 
mg from their labors. There is not too much rest, however, and 
soon there may be less. 

A report is now rife to the effect that our army is to be increas- 
ed to one hundred thousand. The North is awake to the fact that 
this war is no farce. Scott is not to be interfered with a^ain, and 
let us hope that this first reverse will be our last. 



After the date of the above writing, we had a long inten-al of 
comparative quiet. Having re-established their lines, the enemy 
seemed to be waiting for a demonstration on our part, while our 
army employed the time in completing the line of fortifications 
occupying the strong positions in front of Arlington, and extendino- 
from the Chain Bridge to Acquia Creek. McClellan, the hero oi 
the West, had taken command of the Army of the Potomac, troops 
were pouring in from the North, and all over the hills on the Mary- 
land side, we could see their white villages thickening day by day. 

Our own part in the preparations mentioned consisted in 'being 
for the time a regmient of pioneers. About four miles to the right 
and front of our fort, near a road from Falls Church towards Alex- 
andria, and about half a mile from Roach's Mills, a thickly wooded 
elevation had to be cleared, to make room for a fort. All the forest 
in front, too, was to be cleared away, that the guns might have free 
range. Every morning ten men from each company shouldered 
their axes and marched out to the hills, where they were divided 
mto two reliefs, and proceeded to level the old monarchs of the hills, 
to make room for the new reign of the "grim visaged." and establish 
his footsteps in trench and parapet. It was a sad necessity that thus 
compelled the spoiling of nature's fairest handiwork, and stripped 
the beautiful hills of their green robes,— but so it must be. 

At the fort, guard duty and drilling at the guns continued to 
occupy our time, with the numerous incidental employments of life 



g8 CHRONICLES OF THE 

in garrison. In the morning, the little unnavigable and abandoned 
canal in front of the fort was full of bathers, and its banks lined 
with half naked washer-men, for we had, since our arrival at Wash- 
ington, to do our own laundry work. In the heat of the day, the 
little grove surrounding the spring within the fort would be full 
of men off duty, lounging in the shades, writing letters, — the great 
solace of the volunteer, — mending their clothes, or playing cards ; 
while around the spring itself, which was walled and covered, and 
welled up beautifully clear from its bed of marble frrgments, a 
crowd stood, waiting for a chance to fill their canteens. In this 
grove stood the buildings then occupied as a depot of supplies for 
our division, and here from morning till night stood a group of 
army wagons, waiting for their requisitions. Before the place was 
fortified, this had been a summer resort for pleasuring parties, but 
now the ball room was redolent of bacon, soap and candles, and 
where the refreshment tables once stood, piles of hard tack boxes, 
and tiers of pork and vinegar barrels, were waiting for transportation. 
Co. "E," Capt. Strong, had been sent to garrison the " tete du 
pont," named by courtesy Fort Jackson, at the Virginia end of the 
Long Bridge. Co. " K," Capt. Layton, had removed their tents to 
the bastion overlooking the Alexandria road, the defence of which 
was entrusted to them. 

Aug. 2d. — It has stopped raining at last, and to-day we- have 
had our usual drill. At i o'clock P. M. our arms were inspected by 
the general inspecting ofiicer of division. 

On the 26th of July — the day after my last writing — George 
W. Fox, a private in the 24th COswego), our old neighbors at 
Elmira, was brought into the fort, mortally wounded by the rebels 
while on picket duty. He died at four in the morning. His last 
hours were cheered by the ministrations of our Chaplain, and Sur- 
geon Wilcox did his utmost for the unfortunate man. 

On the night of the 27th, between one and two, we were roused 
by the long roll, and formed in line of batde. All the camps 
within hearing were echoing the alarm, and we felt certain that at 
last our time had come. But it was shortly discovered that the 
sentinels of the 35th Regiment — occupying the works northwest of 
us — had become frightened (they have not been long here) and 
given a false alarm, so we got back to our nests. In the mormng 
a tornado swept the country, and tested our tent fastenings pretty 
severely. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 99 

On the 29th, the first detail of eleven men for fatigue duty 
were sent to the woods. 

On the last day of July, Gen. McClellan, accompanied by his 
suite, paid the fort a visit. He expressed himself much pleased 
after his inspection of the garrison, and said he should be sorry to 
have us leave him. It had become apparent that many of the men 
were determined to return on the 20th of August, if possible. I 
am of the opinion, and from my position in the ranks may be 
allowed to judge, that nearly all of them would have immediately 
re-enlisted. They were dissatisfied with the organization, and 
determined not to serve in it longer than they could help. I shall 
soon have to speak of the result; until then I will drop the subject. 

Sunday, Aug. 4th. — Last night was intolerably warm, and 
to-day the usual drill and inspection are omitted on account of the 
heat. The marsh between the fort and the river is the prolific 
origin ot our two curses — ague and musquitoes. About sixty men 
report daily to the Surgeon for their doses of quinine, and at all 
hours of the day you may see them sitting in the hot sun, shaking 
as if life depended on it. As for the musquitoes, Egypt's curse of 
flies could hardly have been worse. They are of all sizes and 
kinds, from the diminutive torments called " gnats," to the hornet- 
like " gallinipper," with black body and yellow legs, and big 
enough, almost, to digest salt horse and hard tack. They prefer, 
however, to take their rations by proxy, after we have manufac- 
tured those delicacies into good loyal blood. The only possible 
good these things were created for must have been to prevent 
sentinels from sleeping on post. Last night I was on guard. The 
moment I mounted the parapet I was conscious of a continued 
angry hum-m-m, as though ten million of tin dinner horns were 
calling from all quarters the vampire host to the banquet. Jack 
, whom I was to relieve, was performing some strange evolu- 
tions, dancing around in a queer way, and keeping time much in 
the way the darkies call " patting," only that every part of his body 
came in freely for a share of his attentions. 

"Jack ! " said I, " are there any musquitoes here ? " 

" Musquitoes ? " No. (Slap.) They ain't mayiy (slap) here 
(slap). But if you go down there (slap), you'll (slap, slap) you'll 
(slap, slap, SI. A'P, ) pi?id some.'' 

It is unnecessary to intimate that I didn't go "down there" 
any oftener than I could help. A few nights ago I caught one of 
the big yellow-legged fellows and pinned him triumphantly to my 



lOO CHRONICLES OF THE 

tent pole. I thought I would send him home in an envelope, that 
Buffalonians might know what ugly customers had lain siege to our 
fort, an enemy against whom our monster guns are nothing. But 
next morning he was gone, and the boys aver that after almost 
pulling the tent down in his struggles, he got the pin loose and 
flew away — with it sticking through him — cursing the Yankees like 
a good F. F. v., and swearing bloody vengeance. 

This evening at parade the following orders were read : 

General PIeadquarters, State of New York, 
Adjutant General's Office. 

Albany, August 2d, 1861. 
Special Orders No. 324 : 

His Excellency, the President, desii-ing the further services of the Twenty-First 
Regiment, New York State Volunteers, and having made a requisition on the 
Governor therefor, Colonel Rogers is hereby directed, on the expiration of the term 
for which said regiment was mustered into the service of the United States (August 
20th, 1861), to report with his command to the Adjutant General of the United 
States, for duty, under the order of the U. S. Government, for the remainder of 
the term of enlistment of the regiment into the service of the State of New York. 
By order of the Commander-in-Chief 

D. CAMPBELL, 

A. A. G. 

Considerable dissatisfaction is felt among those who have been 
expecting to go home at the end of the three months. 

Aug. loth. — Nothing of especial interest has transpired since 
my last writing. 

On the 5th we went to some of the old deserted camps near us, 
and secured a lot of boards for our tents, and some stoves for the 
cooks. Our new floors and board walls are immensely comfortable, 
and since the advent of the stoves we revel in slap-jacks and fried 
pork. On the 6th Lieut. Doyle was appointed to ist Lieutenancy 
in " K " Company. Lieuts. Gillett and McBean have resigned, and 
James S. Mulligan, Orderly Sergeant of " B," is promoted to 2d 
Lieutenancy in " K," in place of Nicholson, resigned. On the 6th, 
2d Lieut. Canfield, of " C," was transferred to " L" with the same 
rank, and Orderly Sergeant Remington, of " C," promoted in his 
place, on the 7th. 

On the 8th we received pay for June. Gen. McClellan passed 
through the fort on the same day, and we saw him for the first time. 
All were pleased with his appearance. He is a man rather below 
the medium height, but gives one the impression of " good things 
in a small parcel." His hair and moustaches are light, with corre- 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. lOI 

spending complexion, and piercing eye. He sits his horse firmly 
and gracefully, and looks " every inch a soldier." Prince Napoleon 
accompanied him. 

On the gth the deputation from Buffalo arrived, and were 
present at parade.* This evening (loth), after parade, Lieut. 
Wheeler, in behalf of his company — " B "' — presented Lieut. Mulli- 
gan, their quondam Orderly, with a handsome .sword, sash and belt, 
as a testimonial of their regard. Mulligan, who is emphatically a 
"good fellow," bore it like a man, and made an appropriate 
expression of his thanks and regard for the donors. 



THE TWENTIETH OF AUGUST. 

I must now speak of an occurrence, which, while it was greatly 
magnified at home, as to its facts and importance, was yet a cause 
of sincere regret to all concerned, and which we hope is not 
remembered against us. The few who were the cause have 
expiated their crime ; nearly all are now numbered among the 
heroic dead, and those who remain have nobly wiped away the 
stain with blood. I speak of the attempted revolt on the expiration 
of the sworn term of service, when we were turned over by our 
State for the full term. 

Ours was not the only regiment thus turned over to the General 
Government. Among these were the Twelfth and Thirteenth New 
York. The time of the last expired on the 13th of August, and 
they were ordered to Fortress Monroe. The Twelfth remained in 
our vicinity, and the disaffected in our regiment were confirmed in 
their determination to stand by what they considered their rights, 
by mingling with them ; for the men of that regiment declared 
that they would return whether discharged or not, and on the 14th 
they were, as one of our boys expressed it, " raising the very old 
nick." 

The citizens of Buffalo, who were so proud of their first 
regiment, that they could not bear to consent to its honorless return, 
because a part of its members chose, sent a delegation to Wash- 
ington, to inquire into the state of feeling among the men, relative 
to their return, and to prevent it if possible. These gentlemen — 

*The purpose of the visit was to prevent our return on the 20th, as e.\plained hereafter. 



I02 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Hon. H. W. Rogers, Mayor Alberger, and Alderman Adams — 
visited our fort, made the necessary investigation, and had an inter- 
view with Gen. McClellan, the result of which was not imparted to 
us, but all were assured that the attempt to leave the service would 
be hopeless. Few were disposed to dispute the moral obligation 
to remain for the full term of the State service, but a portion 
objected to what they deemed the way taken to inveigle the com- 
mand into remaining longer than they had promised. They said 
that had they been asked at Elmira to swear in for the full term, 
they would have done so, but they had determined not to remain 
under their present officers. I observed that nearly all the disaf- ' 
fected men were those who had come in collision with authority, 
and been subjected to harsh punishment. Thus matters stood until 
the 20th of August. On the 19th, Company " E " had been relieved 
from duty at Fort Jackson, and " D " had taken its place. 

On the morning of the 20th, a few men refused to appear at 
roll call. At reveille. Col. Rogers had sent orders to the officers of 
companies, to have those men who thought they had served long 
enough stack their arms. Only twenty-one men in all, and those 
from only three companies (sixteen from " E," four from " H," and 
one from "A") signified their unwillingness to serve longer, by 
complying with this order, and these were quietly walked to the 
guard-house, and then as quietly started, under a guard, for the 
Navy Yard, where Gen. McDowell had ordered them to be confined, 
until shipped to the Dry Tortugas, to serve, as the order says, 
" without arms, until they show themselves more worthy to bear 
them." 

Company " K " had been detailed entire for fatigue duty, and 
sent to the woods early in the morning. So quietly had the 
" mutiny" risen and been quelled, that men asleep after guard duty 
knew nothing about what was going on until their comrades had 
been hours gone. This'was the " mutiny " that gave us in Bufialo 
an unenviable name, until time and service proved us. About noon 
Company " K " returned from the woods all right, and learned what 
their comrades had done. About four they began to talk, and the 
spirit of revolt worked rapidly. At five parade call was answered 
by the appearance of every company in the fort but " K." Col. 
Rogers sent to know why they did not come, as the line was waiting. 
" K " still occupied the bastion, and in a moment Capt. Layton came 
down and reported the refusal of his men to do further duty ; 
whereupon parade proceeded without them, and then the company. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. IO3 

with the exception of five of its members, was placed under guard. 
No resistance was attempted, and all was done quietly. That 
evening they were started, under charge of their Captain, for the 
Navy Yard. At the "tete du pont," a part of " D " was detailed to 
escort them, and just before the prisoners were turned over to their 
care by Capt. Layton, he made them a sensible and friendly speech, 
showed them their error, and the hopelessness of continuing to 
expect success, and finally asked who would return with him to 
duty. The majority of the company instantly expressed their will- 
ingness to do so, and with their Captain returned to the fort in their 
right minds, while the twenty who still held out, went on. 

Thus ended the difficulty. Insubordination was rooted out 
without harshness, which might, by exciting sympathy, have added 
fuel to the flame, and the firmness and decision manifested by the 
Colonel, showed its result in the consequent behavior of the men. 

What became of the mutineers? Capt. Layton discovered, 
during their stay at the Navy Yard, that they were repentant and 
anxious to return to duty. He procured an order from Gen. 
McDowell, granting them that privilege, but owing to some unavoid- 
able delay, did not reach the Navy Yard with it until they had been 
three hours gone. Company " B " had gone to guard them, and 
instead of the Tortugas, they had been sent to the Rip Raps, 
near Fortress Monroe.* 



On the 24th we had a grand review upon the race course near 
the Fort. Gen. McClellan complimented the regiment highly upon 
its drill and appearance. 

The gray uniforms given us at Elmira had by this time become 
rather threadbare, and were replaced by Uncle Sam's live'ry. On 
the 29th of August we received caps, jackets and pants of dark 
blue, with a gray woolen blouse for fatigue duty. The pants were 
afterwards replaced by others of light blue. 

Nothing further of special interest occurred until our advance 
to Arlington. In the woods and at the fort our duties continued in 
the same round, until we bade a final good-by to the latter. 

* We learned long afterwards that these men, after being confined for some time with others 
there for the same offence, were one day drawn up in line by order of Gen. Wool, and those willing 
to return to duty asked to step out. The whole line stepped forward as one man. They were 
assigned to various regiments in Wool's command ; those from the Twenty-First going into the 2d 
New York. They afterwards expiated their offence by noble conduct on the field, and but three are 
now known to be alive. 



I04 CHRONICLES OF THE 

On the last day of August the following order was received : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac. 
Special Orders No. i8. 

The 2ist Regiment N. Y. Vols., is assigned to Wadsworth's Brigade, McDowell's 
Division, which it will proceed to join on being relieved at its present station. 

Brig. Gen. Richardson will at once detail two companies of the 14th Massachu- 
setts Regiment to occupy Fort Runyon, and the works at the end of the Long 
Bridge. 

By command of Maj. Gen. McClellan. 

S. WILLIAMS, 

A. A. G. 

Again we prepared to march, glad to be relieved from the 
irksomeness of garrison life, glad to get away from the marshes with 
their aguey miasma and musquitoes ; and glad to get a little nearer 
the front. There were but few who had not suffered from ague and 
fevers, otherwise the health of the regiment had been good. Two 
men died during the two months, — John Layh and William 
Mathews, both of Company "G," the former on the nth, and the 
latter on the 19th of August. Both ^-ere good soldiers. So stands 
their record ; and it is all we need say. They died while waiting 
for the foe, and sleep as gloriously as though their graves were side 
by side with thousands in ground sanctified by the baptism of their 
blood. 

Companies "C" and "D" were to go first and prepare the 
camping ground. 

Next day, like a tribe of bedouins we leveled our canvass walls 
and prepared to seek a new site for their erection. 

As this is only a history of our own part in the great drama of 
the day, it can, with propriety, only treat of cotemporaneous 
events as they shaped our destinies, or were brought within the 
sphere of our own immediate observation. 

The advanced line of defences had been nearly completed, and 
the army were to move forward and occupy them permanently. 
Company " D," since its occupation of Fort Jackson, had guarded 
the Long Bridge, half the company being detailed daily for that 
duty. Being now relieved at their post by a company of the 14th 
Massachusetts, they joined the regiment, and at noon, with a cheer 
for our old fort, and an affectionate good-by look at palisade and 
parapet, and the grim, black " dogs of war," our pets for so long, 
— and whom we would have so liked to unmuzzle upon those 
impertinent trespassers " so near, and yet so far," — Companies 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. I05 

"C" and "D" debouched from the western gate, and took the 
road for ArHngton. 

That night we camped, temporarily, along a wagon trail through 
the bush, just back of Fort Cass, one of the chain of thirty forts 
formerly mentioned as extending from Chain Bridge to Alexandria. 
A new military road along this line ran just in our rear, and all 
night we heard the tramp of battalions and squadrons, and the 
rumble of artillery. Next morning we proceeded to lay out our 
camp, close in the rear of the fort, which was, of course, on high 
ground, and commanded a far sweep of dale and dell which had 
been bared by the axe to give free range to its guns. The letter 
had not yet been mounted, as the works were hardly finished, and 
while we were clearing away the trees for our camp, the Massachu- 
setts Ninth, who had built the fort, were planting a strong stockade 
in its rear. Companies "G" and "H" arrived during the day. 
Next day we were established, and on Wednesday and Thursday 
the companies left at Runyon joined us. 

Here we passed the remainder of the month of September quite 
pleasantly. The first week of our stsiy was devoted to making the 
camp as neat and comfortable as possible. In clearing away the 
trees we had only removed those in the lines of tents, leaving the 
others for shade, but Dr. Wilcox, more anxious for our health than 
for our immediate comfort, ordered us to cut these away also, that 
the sun might have free access and kill the fever seed always lurking 
in the damp ground of a new clearing. Though the boys were 
sorry to lose their pet " roof trees," the Doctor was inexorable, and 
down they came. The good Doctor seems to have no thought but 
for the good of his charge, and he is appreciated more and more 
each day. Ever since we have lived in tents he has been rigid in 
enforcing all measures bearing on the health of the regiment, and • 
every day he makes his rounds, inspecting the tents, and woe to the 
unfortunate wight who attends not to his duties in the matter of 
cleanliness and ventilation. At least once a week each tent has to 
be struck, so that the ground and bunking places may have free 
sun and air. Any litter around tents or under bunks he detests, 
especially fragments of bread, the decomposing gluten of which, he 
says, is more injurious than the vilest stench of decaying animal 
matter. 

Wadsworth's Brigade, to which we have at length been 
assigned, is composed of the 21st, 23d and 35th New York State 
Volunteers. I mention our regiment first as we have the right of 



I06 CHRONICLES OF THE 

the brigade. Our brigade, too, has the right of McDowell's Divis- 
ion, consequently ours is a proud position, the leading regiment in 
the advance we are expecting. 

The 23d, next us in camp as in brigade, lie just to our left, and 
a guard line only separates the camps. The 35th occupy Fort 
Tillinghast, about half a mile to the left. 

On the 31st day of August, Capt. Layton left for Buffalo, on 
recruiting service. 

About the time of our advance, private Henry Lansing of " D " 
was commissioned as ist Lieutenant in Company " K," instead of 
Doyle, who had received his appointment from the Colonel, but 
had not been commissioned ; and Sergeant Greig Mulligan was 
promoted to 2d Lieutenancy in the 90th N. Y. Vols., a new regiment. 
He left with the best wishes of all who knew him, a good soldier 
and well deserving of his good fortune. 

On the 4th of September we received orders to have two days' 
cooked rations always ready, and be prepared to march at a 
moment's warning. McClellan seems to be waiting for the enemy 
to make his next move, and probably when we again move it will 
be to strike a decisive blow. A heavy rain set in the same night, 
which continued all next day. We had no parade, but the com- 
panies fell in while the orders were read. Our new camp is called 
" Camp Buffalo." 

Next day, the 6th, we were inspected, and the right wing 
ordered to prepare to do picket duty on the following Monday. 
Our Drum Major, was reduced by his own request, and Charles 
Fisher appointed in his place. 

At parade on the 7th, orders were read sentencing private 
William Scott, of the 3d Vermont Regiment, to be shot for sleeping 
on his post. This is intended as a warning to those who have ot 
late allowed themselves to be so careless in the discharge of this 
most important of duties. 

Next day (Sunday) our knapsacks and accoutrements were 
inspected as usual. It might be asked whether it would not have 
been well in our Commander-in-Chief, while issuing an order for 
the better observance of the Sabbath, to have done away with these 
tedious inspections which custom allows to be thrust upon the 
soldiers on that day which should be one of rest. One is hardly in 
devotional mood after standing for two or three hours while every 
man in the regiment is carefully and completely examined by one 
officer. When, after such an involuntary penance, they are at last 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. IO7 

formed in hollow square, and the Chaplain begins his labors, they 
are usually very impatient listeners, if they listen at all. 

Next morning at seven, the right wing — Companies " K," " G," 
" E," " A," and " I," under command of Lieut.-Col. Root, left camp 
for Ball's Cross Roads, where they were to remain on picket duty 
until relieved. During the day several balloon ascensions w^ere 
made from an eminence near Fort Corcoran. 

The enemy now occupy Munson's and Upton's Hills, and it is 
probable that we shall soon dispute their possession. An advance 
is to be expected at any hour, and we are prepared for one. 

On Wednesday, the nth, we had our tirst drill in the new 
camp. At noon the companies of the right wing returned from 
picket duty. They had been fired on, and returned the compliment 
many times during the two days, but no one was hurt. The Alex- 
andria, Loudon and Hampshire Railroad forms our picket line, in 
the vicinity of Ball's Cross Roads, and it abounds in good cover 
for the men on post. Still, as many are rash and venturesome, and 
expose themselves so as to provoke a shot "just for the fun" of re- 
turning it, picket shooting is quite an ordinary occurrence ; and so it 
must be until both armies are disciplined into a realization of the 
fact that merely killing men in this way, is murder, simply, and has 
no bearing on the main result. When men move in masses, immense 
results may follow a combination of favorable circumstances and 
scientific handling, with but a small proportionate loss of life ; and 
even when that proportion is large, it is " swallowed up " in victory 
or defeat. But the killing of one man, in cold blood, where the 
only object is the gratification of the destructive propensities of the 
assassin, or his desire to stain his hands with the blood of a fellow 
being that he may boast of the deed, is a miserable achievement. 
The time will come when both armies will see enough of necessary 
bloodshed, and then this will cease. One could wish rather to see 
an interchange of courtesies between them, such as the chivalric 
usages of the medieval ages were wont to sanction. Indeed, soldiers 
on picket duty are not expected to fight. They may do so in case 
of attack, where advantage of position and necessity of holding 
ground until the main force can be properly disposed, combine to 
warrant it ; but in the abstract they are simply feelers, extended to 
guard against surprise, to cut off communication where it might be 
treacherously used, and to warn of a hostile approach. They 
should respect the mutual function, and never fire but in case of a 



I08 CHRONICLES OF THE 

general advance, and then the Hne attacked usually falls back on its 
reserve, and awaits the movements of the supporting force. 

Shortly after noon we heard heavy firing in a northwesterly 
direction, and learned that our troops were engaging the enemy. 
Instantly the camps were lively with preparation. The Massachu- 
setts Ninth left their work on the fort, and were hurried off in the 
direction of the Chain Bridge. All the afternoon the firing continued 
at fitful intervals. No orders came for us, and late at night we 
learned that a small force of federals, under Gen. Smith, had met a 
body of the enemy with artillery and cavalry, and after a short but 
fierce engagement, driven them off with small loss.* 

The Ninth returned without having participated in the fight. 

Sept. 1 2th. — It rained all last night. To-day we have received 
our pay for July and August, and with the prospect of being soon 
in the field, the boys don't like to keep their spare money with 
them, so they are putting it in the care of Chaplain Robie, who is 
about to have a furlough, for their families. This speaks well for 
our boys, considering the proverbial improvidence of the soldier. f 

This time we were paid principally in the new Treasury Notes, 
instead of the gold we have heretofore received, and Uncle Sam's 
" promises to pay " are at a premium, on account of their adapta- 
bility for safe and convenient transfer by mail, and also because 
they are not so easily lost as the small gold pieces. 

This shows the confidence of the men in the government, to 
the support of which they have pledged their lives, — for if unstable 
or in danger of dissolution, who would redeem these? 

Now that the men are learning the ways of camp life, and how 
to use the liberal provision made for them, they find that it is more 

•^"i'his was the battle of Lewiiisville. The following is Gen. McClellan's report of the eng.ige- 
meiit : 

From Gen. Smith's Headquarters, 
Sept. nth, 1861. 
To Simon Cameron, Secketaky ov War : 

General Smith made a reconnoisance with two thousand men to Lewinsville. He remained 
there several hours, and completed the examination of the ground. 

When the work was completed and the command had started back, the enemy opened fire with 
shell, killing two men and wounding three. 

Griffin's battel y silenced the enemy's battery. Our men then came back in perfect order and 
excellent spirits. The men behaved most admirably under fire. 

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, 

Major General, &c. 

fThe Buffalo Express of Sept, 21st, says : — Chaplain Robie brought home with him from the 
soldiers of the 21st, to their relations and friends in this city, over §5,000 in demand notes of the U. 
S. Treasury. This speaks well for the provident disposition and good habits of the men. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. IO9 

than sufficient, and aside from the purchase of such Httle rarities as 
one must allow himself, when they can be procured, and the indis- 
pensable tobacco, there is little use for money. Gambling is strictly 
forbidden and severely punished, and the little of it that is done is 
by stealth, and among a certain set who, while they prey only upon 
each other, will not do much harm. 

Sunday, Sept. 15th. — We are still in camp. Day before yester- 
day the camp was again in ferment with the advance fever. 

Something was evidently " in the wind," for Professor Lowe's 
monstrous balloon had been up nearly all day, and the ever busy 
rumors of the camp would have it that the army was about to move. 
Toward sunset, sudden and rapid firing was heard in the direction 
of Ball's, which continued until after dark. Then the horizon in 
that direction was aglow in many places with the burning of build- 
ings, and in the sky we could see the shells bursting like volcanic 
stars. 

Our pickets had been driven in, and the enemy were burning 
every dwelling, barn, or stack, that had afforded them shelter. 
Troops from camp were marching to support the line, and we were 
ordered to prepare for immediate attack. The cooks' fires were 
piled high, and the kettles were all in use, preparing our two days' 
rations. Each soldier took care that his arms were in order, and 
many were writing what might be their last letters. I suppose all 
soldiers are, during their first year, given to frequent farewell letters, 
or letters with a light glazing of humor, intended to cover much 
premonitory feeling. Some affect spasms of ofi'-hand, nonchalant 
heroism, or devil-may-care-ism, like this : " We march at daybreak 
and to-morrow 'look out for fun.' If some scamp of a reb. don't 
make a hole in me, I'll tell you all about it in my next. If he does, 
why then good-by. There'll be a rousing old reveille some day, 
you know," &c., &c. That's the way your new soldier consoles 
those at home, and really he feels it, but had better suppress it. 
And then when his high-flown bundle of heroics has departed, and 
that expected march is a disappointment, and he don't see a fight 
after all, he feels quite " cheap," and don't dare to write to that 
correspondent again for a long time. Well, I presume very much 
of that kind of thing was being done in the tents on that night. But 
tattoo came, as usual, and we turned in, with orders, however, to 
sleep in our clothes and upon our arms. 

Yesterday we did nothing but remain " ready," and very hard 
work it was. Our haversacks were all crammed, and we persisted 



no CHRONICLES OF THE 

in believing we were to " do something," for the officers were 
ordered to wear their uniforms constantly, and no passes from camp 
were granted. At parade, orders were read directing that " here- 
after reveille shall not be beaten until after sunrise," and that coffee 
be dealt out to men immediately after. No music to be allowed 
while marching or changing positions, or at any time other than 
the stated exercises and calls. This looks like work. Last night 
we slept on our arms again. 

To-day, being Sunday, of course we have been unusually busy. 
We were inspected by Gens. McDowell and Wadsworth, and a very 
thorough inspection it was, too. Gen. McDowell, though not a 
martinet, is a very severe disciplinarian, and no neglect, however 
slight, escapes his quick eye. Afternoon, Chaplain Hughes of the 
14th N. Y. preached on the " Sounding of the seventh Angel." 

Monday, Sept. 16. — To-day Chaplain Robie left for home. 
Twenty-five recruits arrived from Buffalo, this morning, in charge 
of Sergeant Irwin, of " I " Company. 

These men were enlisted by Capts. Layton and Strong, and 
Lieuts. Baker and Vallier, who commenced recruiting about the 
ist of September, in Buffalo. According to orders from the Adju- 
tant General, the men were sworn in for the balance of the two 
years, and it is intended to fill up the regiment to its maximum 
number, one thousand and forty-eight men. This will make our 
regiment as large as any in the field. . 

We also learn that the Union Cornet Band is to join us. The 
boys are jubilant over this prospective addition to the attractions of 
camp. 

This evening the following complimentary order was read on 
parade : 

Headquarters Division, 
Arlington Heights, Sept. 16, 1861. 
General Orders No. 39. 

At the Inspection of camp yesterday, the General Commanding was pleased to' 
notice the well policed condition of the camp grounds of the 14th, 21st, 22d, 25th 
and 35th Regiments. 

It is enjoined upon all officers and men of this command, to prevent the extrav- 
agant waste of provisions, which is noticed in some of the regiments. 
By command of Brig. Gen. McDowell. 

H. W. KINGSBURY, 

A. A. A. G. 

On the 17th, a review of the brigade took place. The regiment 
went out at nine. The day was of the hottest, and several of the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. Ill 

men gave out and were brought back in ambulances. At parade, 
orders were read directing that each regiment drill with knapsacks 
daily, commencing with forty-five minutes, and increasing the time 
fifteen minutes each day. As the boys say, it will be " tough on 
us " in this hot weather, but not so tough as having to carry them 
by and by on a long march, without having accustomed ourselves 
to it. 

Sept. 22d. — =Major Drew has arrived with ten more recruits. 

To-day we had a skeleton brigade drill, Arlington, McDowell's 
headquarters. Eight men were detailed from each company to 
attend with the ofticers, each platoon being represented by a pole, 
with a man at each end in place of the guides. 

Sept. 28th. — The last two days have been rainy and disagreeable. 
It is evident that the most disagreeable season of the year in this 
climate is upon us. The mud is deep, and in camp particularly so, 
where the unceasing tramp of necessary travel punches the ground 
into such a condition, that you would almost expect to see it settle 
into a perfect level everywhere. 

Last night several tents blew down, or rather up, and left their 
occupants " out in the wet. " The ground is becoming so soft that 
. to put one's trust in tent-pins, is to be a victim of misplaced confi- 
dence. It was rather funny to see the cool way in which these 
misfortunes were met, the stoical resignation to fate and a wetting, 
and the nonchalant and deliberate putting of things to rights, and 
recovering of the waifs of personal property scattered over the 
muddy deep around, in the face of such a blast-driven storm. 
Boreas might have "cracked his cheeks" in vexation at the sight 
of it. 

Parade has been twice omitted within the week, the state of the 
weather making it impossible. 

On Sunday last (the 22d), Gen. McClellan again visited our 
camp. He expressed satisfaction with the result of his inspection. 
Orders read on parade for a brigade review before McClellan on 
Monday. 

On Monday, the 23d, we should have relieved the picket, but 
were ordered to appear at review, and go on picket next day. At 
eleven the regiment fell in, in heavy marching order, (with knapsack 
fully packed, haversack, canteen, and fully armed and equipped 
throughout,) and marched to McDowell's headquarters, at Arling- 
ton, where we passed in review before Gens. McClellan and 



112 CHRONICLES OF THE 

McDowell, Prince De Joinville, and others. After the review, the 
Generals, accompanied by the Prince, inspected our camps. 

At eight, on the morning of the 24th, the left wing started out 
to relieve the picket at Ball's Cross Roads. During the night 
following, the firing from the rebel line was frequent, and the balls 
flew with dangerous precision around the ears of our men on post. 
The fire was not returned, strict orders having been given to that 
effect. Towards morning our line fell back a short distance, for 
better shelter, from which to watch the movements of the enemy. 
No further demonstrations were made, however. All through the 
night the cow-bells were heard in various directions, but our boys 
knew well that no milk was to be had where those bells were, and 
the wily rebs had their labor for their pains. The boys declared 
that " old gag " to be about played out, and since a party of unauth- 
orized foragers were "gobbled up," while following this tinkling 
decoy, the boys turn a deaf ear to the sedulous note^, or with thumb 
to nose and digits gyrating, intimate in expressive pantomime that 
the syren " can't come it." 

In the day time the opposing posts will sometimes agree to a 
temporary truce, and being within hailing distance, hold a parley 
for mutual information, and an exchange of funny sayings, and good 
things generally, in defiance of all the regulations to the contrary. 
The first question is, " What State are you from?" The reply 
from our side, if it happens to be." Massachusetts," is sure to bring 
a leaden reply, and hostilities are immediately renewed, for the 
"rebs" will not stand on anything like ceremony with the troops 
from the State they have such reason, as they think, to detest, and, 
as we know, to fear. But with us they are always willing to parley. 
A large field, abandoned by the owners, and just between the lines, 
abounds in tomatoes, turnips and potatoes. The temptation to 
forage is strong, and by mutual consent the men off" post on both 
sides, leaving their arms behind, peacefully dig and gather the fruits 
of the ground together ; and as yet no advantage of the fact is 
taken by either side. Strange sight for times like these, but where 
is the harm ? 

On the morning of the 25th, the enemy were reported to be 
moving, and an attack was expected, for which the force at Arling- 
ton were put in readiness, but nothing came of it. Signals were 
seen in front during the night past, and a heavy shower in the 
morning was, perhaps, the cause ot delay in their movements. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. II3 

On the night follownig-, the whole rebel army were reported to 
be in motion, but we were not disturbed. Next day, the 26th, we 
were relieved by the 23d N. Y., and returned to camp. 

On the 27th, during a storm of rain and high wind, marched 
into camp with a flourish of familiar strains, the Union Cornet 
Band, accompanied by a squad of recruits, in charge of Lieut. 
Baker. The whole regiment turned out joyfully to meet them, and 
drowned their music with welcoming cheers. The boys can now 
glory in one of the best bands in the service, and are no more, on 
reviews and parades, to listen quietly to the windy liourishes oi 
their neighbors without a blast to reply with. Sergeants Schermer- 
horn and Beebee, who have been home on sick leave, returned with 
him. 

The recruits are fine fellows, and although arriving under such 
dampening circumstances, seem full of ardor, and well pleased with 
their fortune. 

Several tents blew away in the afternoon, and there was 
another jolly scramble after the dry goods. 

To-day, the rain having ceased, most of the men not on other 
duty, are engaged in clearing away a new parade ground in the 
rear of the fort. Stumps have to be " grubbed " out, and the 
ground leveled, and when that is done our camp will lack but little 
in the way of improvement. 

We have still to go outside the guard line for water. The 
excellent spring at the foot of the hill is nicely fitted with a couple 
of casks, set into the ground, and a bed of small logs laid around 
it. It has to be guarded day and night, or some enterprising spy 
might take occasion to " drop somethmg" in its crystal bosom that 
would seriously bother the doctor. 

We are beginning to like our new camp exceedingly, and 
under favorable weather it is really a very pleasant stopping place. 

The following extract from a letter written by one of our 
officers,* will give a better impression of its beauties than any word 
of mine. 

" How many troops are there here, my dear ? Why, 

' my eye hath not beheld them, neither hath the ear listened to the 
enumeration.' Wouldn't you like to get up some fine morning and 



* Capt. Elisha A. Hayward, one of our noblest comrades, who has since " gone to his final 
muster," and his reward, 'rhis letter is copied by permiss'on of his family, and the author need 
not apologize for its introduction here. 



114 CHRONICLES OF THE 

take a stroll with me over these beautiful ' Heights ' of ' Arlington ' 
— for they are indeed beautiful — and listen to the reveille of drum 
and bugle, again and again repeated ? In all your travels did you 
ever get the start of the busy people of New York, and as the 
slumbering population awoke to the scenes of another day, stand on 
Broadway, or near Washington Market, and see the people pour 
forth to enact their part in the day's drama, or comedy, as may be ? 
If you have, then you can imagine the scenes upon these heights — 
though, of course, the mass is not so connected — just as the morn- 
ing drum ceases to beat.' Imagine it to be at such an hour. The 
' darkest just before the light,' has softened into the mild gray light 
of very early dawn. You seem to stand alone in the land ! Not a 
thing is stirring ; the sentinels seem to pace their beat with a 
noiseless tread, and you stand and wonder what power it is that 
keeps the mighty mass so silent. Listen! Way off! and how soft 
it comes, too, and how almost like a fancy it seems ; and yet you are 
sure of it. There it is again! It is a bugle note I the first that has 
awoke the echoes — and it comes to you as ' music on the waters.' 
There goes another, and louder than before, and yet another ! and 
another ! and still they multiply and increase, until the whole air 
seems to vibrate with the sound of bugle note and drum beat. 

" Now let us start out for a walk. Our camp is alive, and the 
first cries of provoked sergeants greet your ears at every step. 
' Turn out for roll call.' ' Come, get up.' ' Y — e — s,' mutters the 

sleepy soldier, something after the manner of ■ (and of 

' Auld Lang Syne,' myself, for that matter), when sings 

out in that awfully disturbing way of hers — when one is sleepy — 
' come, boys, breakfast, b — r — eak—fast is all ready, and half-past 

seven,' . ' Turn out,' thunders the sergeant, and ' here, 

corporal, bring me that pail of water,' starts the drowser to a sense 
of his semi-amphibious condition. We walk on ; we pass camp 
after camp, all bustling with life, and finally we ascend to the very 
top of a high hill, from whence we can see a considerable extent of 
country. Arithmatides ! how the hills and vales are dotted with 
the white canvas of our tents ! There, standing proudly upon the 
summit of a gradual rise, is situated the impregnable ' Fort 
Corcoran.' Inside, all is busding with life. There, just discernible 
amidst the wood, is another camp, and here, and there, and every- 
where the land is covered with our tents, and peopled with our 
brave men. At sunrise, and at sunset, a ' forest of bayonets ' testifies 
the northern devotion to the Union. Now do you ask me how. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. II5 

many troops there are upon the Potomac ! I don't know ; enough 
that I beheve there are enough to triumph. * * * 

" I fully believe that we shall advance before many days. The 
officers are ordered to cut their baggage down to eighty pounds, 
and in a short time we are to have a preparatory march, and during 
our absence the baggage is to be weighed, and all over that to 
be rejected. To-day (iSth) Gen. McDowell was here, and ordered 
our quartermaster to make a requisition for the amount of transpor- 
tation required for our regiment. Don't that look like a march ? 
Day before yesterday we were thoroughly inspected, and every- 
thing we lack is to be furnished forthwith. To-day, according to 
orders from headquarters, the companies of our brigade, and I 
suppose of the whole army, marched for three-quarters of an hour, 
with knapsacks, haversacks and canteens slung, and we are required 
to increase the time fifteen minutes each day. Don't that look like 
an advance ? " 

The second Buffalo regiment (49th. N. Y. V.) arrived in Wash- 
ington September i8th, and crossed the river soon after. D. D. 
Bidwell, the well known former Captain of " D," 74th N. Y. N. G., 
is Colonel of the new regiment. The 49th is said to be a fine body 
of men, and already under good discipline. Many of our old 
friends are members, and a fraternal regard already exists between 
the two commands, notwithstanding a spirit of generous rivalry 
between our "veterans " of four months and the new comers. 

William C. Alber'ger, formerly ist Lieutenant of " D," 74th, 
and since Captain of the company bearing the same letter in "ours," 
is their Lieut.- Colonel, and Lieut. William F. Wheeler, from the 
same company, is now Captain of Company " D," of the 49th. We 
regretted to lose these able and much liked officers. Lieut. Geo. 
M. Baker, and Sergeants Byron Schermerhorn and Henry C. Beebee 
fill the vacancies caused by these promotions from our regiment. 

Horace L. Dunlap, a private in " C " Company, left the regi- 
ment on the last day of August on a furlough, to visit his wife and 
family in Kansas. Being detained at Ouincy, Illinois, he fell in 
with an old friend, and through him received the appointment of ist 
Lieutenant of " G " Company, 50th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, 
and has been transferred accordingly. 

Morris Alberger, Orderly of " D," has been appointed Sergeant 
Major in the place of George M. Love, who has left us to be a ist 
Lieutenant in the People's Ellsworth Regiment. 



ii6 



CHRONICLES OF THE 



John F. Stowe, also of " D," has procured a discharge in order 
to enter the navy, a position for which his maritime experience 
admirably fits him. 

Arnold Harris, of " B," has also entered the navy, having been 
appointed Master's Mate of the gunboat Freeborn. 

Capt. George D. Clinton and Lieut. Samuel P. Gail are in 
Washington on sick leave. Lieuts. Vallier and Doyle, and Ser- 
geants Irwin and Blatchford, are still recruiting for the regiment in 
Buffalo. 

The following are the names of the members of our band : — 
Peter Cramer, Jr., leader; F. Federlein, Philip Young, H. Kehr, H. 
Nebrich, Philip Kehr, P. Interbitzen, D. Nebrich, Alex. Stein, Chas. 
Nebrich, O. Shuggins, O. Kuehn, Joseph Young, J. Shottner, F. 
Jacky, Thomas Dodds, F. Steinmueller, anci Peter Young. 

Corporal Wilcox, of " C," accidentally shot himself, while 
cleaning his revolver, on the 28th, the ball lodging in the bones of 
his right hand in such a way that the Surgeon could not extract it. 




TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. II7 



CHAPTER V. 

The advance on Upton's Hill.— Our new Camp.— We are lo build a Fort.— All afloat.— Fort Buffalo 
finished.— "All quiet on the Potomac."— A black day m our calendar.— The funeral of Egbert 
Wallace.— The grand review of November 20th.— A rush for glory.— Thanksgiving Day in 
camp.— Picket Duty.— A midnight alarm, and the Porkers routed.— Lying in "anguish."— A 
review by Governor Morgan. — A new camp and winter quarters. — Another disappointment.— A 
sham battle. — Foraging.— Merry Christmas. — We close our account with the year 1861, and 
strike a balance sheet. 

OUR last chapter closed while we were finishing our camp, and 
making our final preparations for a comfortable occupancy 
of the same, for the time we might be obliged to spend there. A 
longer experience of the mutability of any and every condition of 
life in the field, would have shown us the futility of expecting to 
reap the reward of our labors. 

The soldier rarely has time to make himself at home in any one 
place. Where he expects to stop but for a night, his tent, if he has 
one, may remain for weeks. But let him turn his attention to improve- 
ments, in despair of soon changing place again, and lo ! no sooner 
has he securely fortified himself against sun, wind and rain, 
made his surroundings as pleasant as possible, and made all possible 
preparation for their utmost enjoyment, than " strike tents," says 
the bugle, and down comes his house. The momentary feeling of 
disappointment is, however, usually lost in the satisfaction of being 
again on the march, and the excitement of new scenes and experi- 
ences. Although we had long been prepared for another advance, 
yet, so often had we been disappointed, that we had ceased to think 
of it except as a remote possibility, and little thought the time of 
our stay was so near its end. 

On Saturday, the 28th day of September, 1861, we of the 
Twenty- First were busily engaged in putting the finishing touches 
to our pleasant home in the woods, christened in remembrance of 
those on far away Erie, " Camp Buffalo." Our log guard house 
was nearly completed, and litde remained to do but to clear away 
the stumps and level our new parade ground, just in rear of the 
fort ; and this work, a large detail, armed with axes, picks and 
spades, was fast completing. 



Il8 CHRONICLES OF THE 

In camp all was quiet. The afternoon was warm, and the men 
ofif duty lay in lazy repose among the trees, or in their tents, until 
just as the sun seemed to have withdrawn his forces for a more 
effective demonstration upon the already blazing gates of the West, 
and the zephyr skirmishers of the night breeze lifted and swayed 
the tent curtains, and rustled the leaves, came the tap of that inex- 
orable drum, rudely disturbing many a pleasant reverie, and waking 
the woods around with its echoes. 

" Fall in for parade ! " 

Growling while they put on the garments thrown off for com- 
fort, and lagging listlessly through other preparations, the men 
saunter into their place in file, slowly form in two ranks, number off 
by twos, and lazily drop their muskets to an " order," while the roll 
is called. 

Now observe the dreamy, lack-lustre eyes, expressive of 
nothing, and suggestive only of weariness and inertia ; the stolid, 
immobile faces, the dawdling attitudes, and the feeble response 
when a name is called, and you will say that in one of these lines 
which nearly fill a company street, there is not life enough to get 
up one healthy pulse ; that a shower of shell would hardly waken 
in them sufficient life even to enable them to run away. 

No? 

Well, look again. A mounted orderly comes crashing through 
the woods, making the leaves fly in his wake, directly for the Colo- 
nel's tent. A moment's anxious pause, and the long roll rattles out. 
Ha ! look 7101V ! Don't you feel the swell of that sudden pulse- 
wave, as it sends a flush to the face and sparkles to the eyes of 
every man in that line. Are they the sticks they looked to be but 
a moment ago ? Noiv, there is life in every face, each foot is firmly 
planted, every musket lighter in the tightened grasp, and with a 
cheer the companies hasten to their places in line. A sick soldier 
comes with an assumed firmness in his tread, and the fever flush on 
his wasted cheek, and his captain orders him back to his tent. 

We had not long to wait. The brigade was in line, and soon 
orders from Gen. Wadsworth arrived, and the Twenty- First, taking 
the right, led the advance. As soon as we cleared the woods, and 
the condition of the road would allow, we took up the " double 
quick," and soon reached " Ball's," passed our old picket stations, 
and our own outposts, and soon reached the railroad just abandoned 
by the rebels. At this place its course was through a gorge, side 
by side with a stream of some size, and just beyond, the steep hill- 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. HQ 

side wa- deeply cut by the road, which was still very abrupt in its 
asceni, and blockaded by large trees thrown in to impede our 

advance. 

Before reaching this point, Gen. Wadsworth, who had preceded 
us with his staff, met us, and requested our Colonel to use more 
haste. He replied that the long distance we had already accom- 
plished at the double quick forbade ' our being urged to greater 
speed, but when the old General called for two companies to hurry 
on in advance asskirmishers, the whole regiment broke with a yell 
into a run, thus declaring their determination to be still foremost m 
the race. The pieces were loaded without halting, and as we neared 
the hillside capable of such easy defence against us, our long- 
winded, ci-devant firemen felt the advantage their experience at the 
drag ropes of hose cart or " machine " gave them over the regi- 
ments in the rear, in case of resistance at this point. 

At the foot of the ascent our speed was lessened, and we were 
obliged to work slowly around the obstructions, but meeting no 
stronger opposition, soon reached the top, and then it was that we 
saw how formidable this position might have been made. 

Soon after we passed Gen. McClellan, who said something 
about " the right regiment in the right place," to which compliment 
the boys answered with as loud a cheer as the state of their wind 
would permit. From one of his staff we learned that the enemy 
were falling back in every direction. 

Twilight was deepening into darkness as we reached the summit 
of Upton's Hill, and when we halted at the place of our bivouac 
for the night, it was dark. This was upon a road crossing the 
Leedsburg turnpike, and which we followed to the northern slope 
of the hilt about a quarter of a mile to the right. The night was 
damp and chilly, our clothing saturated, and limbs stiffened with 
our exertions, and neither overcoats nor blankets had been brought, 
for in the hurry they must have been thrown aside upon the 
road. To crown the discomforts of the position, no fires could be 
built, until the moon rose, near midnight, and lessened the danger 
of thus drawing the attention of the enemy. 

Several times during the night we were roused by firing in our 
immediate vicinity, once forming line, but soon returning to our 
fires again. Once the fire commenced quite briskly, and we heard 
the noisy charge of a troop of horse on our left, with cries of " Cut 
'em down!" and a chorus of demon like yells. Once more all 
became quiet, and we were not roused again until the reveille caused 



I20 CHRONICLES OP^ THE 

each to stretch his cramped hmbs and resume that position which 
indicates man as the " lord of creation." 

Tlie " two days' cooked rations," orders for the preparation of 
which had so long been a by-word with the witty skeptics of Camp 
Buffalo, now furnished a hearty breakfast, washed down with 
copious drafts of spring- water from the foot of the hill, and then 
we proceeded to make ourselves familiar as possible with our new 
position. 

Upton's Hill is a considerably elevated ridge, about a mile in 
length, running- north and south, and commanding a considerable 
extent of country, both in front and rear. Miner's and Hall's Hills 
on the right, and Munson's on the left, are continuations of the same 
line of natural defenses. In front, and about half a mile away, is 
the village of Falls Church. Munson's Hill was "taken" by the 
2d Michigan, at the same time that we occupied this. From the 
formidable display of apparently strong fortifications, and its 
rumored strength of armament, a severe struggle for possession had 
been anticipated. 

The surprise of the attacking party may be imagined, when, 
after charging up the steep bank, and over the light breastwork, 
they found not a bayonet to oppose them, and the cannon so form- 
idable at a distance turned out to be only a few pump logs, and 
some old stove pipe on wheels, of which the boys triumphantly 
took possession. It was at first proposed to spike them, but having 
no rat-tail files handy, they contented themselves with merely 
pointing them in the other direction. The works were the merest 
sham, amounting to nothing but a show of fresh earth, calculated to 
deceive the eye at the distance of a mile or so, or even much 
nearer. A really strong fortification has already begun to take its 
place. 

Why we halt here no one seems to know. It is rumored, how- 
ever, that McClellan will fortify the strong positions gained, and use 
them as a basis of future operations. Falls Church is at present 
our most advanced post in this direction, and the rebel pickets are 
but a short distance beyond. 

This morning (Sunday) our overcoats and blankets arrived, 
together with rations of bread, pork and coffee. A detail from 
each company are engaged in clearing the ground on the brow of 
the hill, just to the left and rear of Falls Church, where our regi- 
ment is to build a fort. We learned this morning that a scouting 
party returning from the front last night were fired upon by a 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 121 

California regiment, and several men killed, the result of careless- 
ness in not having the countersign. Some of the men have been 
foraging among the deserted rebel mansions in the neighborhood. 
The house of Major Nutt, which its gallant owner hastily evacuated 
the day of our advance, stands, or did stand, about a mile north of 
the hill. A party of Blenker's men, probably carrying out the 
precepts of old world warfare, have completely demolished it, 
together with that portion of the contents which they did not choose 
to carry away. The remains of a fine piano and other heavy furni- 
ture litter the grounds ; the garden and outbuildings are sacked 
and destroyed, and the stock appropriated by the ravagers. 

Monday, Sept. 30th. — This morning all set to work cutting 
away the trees on the northern slope, where our new camp is to be. 
In the afternoon our wagon train arrived, bringing the sick, all our 
camp stores, equipage and tents. An hour afterward saw every 
tent in its place, and once more we were in a situation of compara- 
tive comfort. 

The enemy are reported to be fortifying Centreville and 
Manassas. Their advance force is at Fairfax C. H. 

Friday, Oct. 4th. — Our new camp is finished, and we call it 
" Camp Rogers," in honor of our good Colonel. We have also 
finished clearing the site of our fort, and to-day, in the presence of 
Gens. McClellan and McDowell, and our own fatherly old Briga- 
dier, the left wing, with appropriate ceremonies, broke ground for 
the trench. Col. Rogers turning the first spadeful. Rev. Mr. 
De Puy, of Buffalo, offered a prayer, or rather asked a blessing 
upon our labors, and we fell to with a will. In the afternoon the 
right wing relieved us. 

From the scene of our labors we occasionally get sight of a 
troop of mounted rebels, only a mile or so away, upon the hills in 
front, and occasionally shells go screeching through the air over- 
head in search of them. The fire is sometimes returned, but to 
little effect. 

Monday, Oct. yth. — Thanks to fortune, myself and tent mates 
have still a shelter above our heads, and we are led to look calmly 
upon our minor misfortunes, in view of the fact that so many of our 
comrades had not even that comfort this wild, wet and dismal morn- 
ing. Last evening came one of the most sudden and severe storms 
of rain, hail and wind, thunder and lightning, that it was ever our 
lot to witness. It was terrific. Pellets of ice as large as walnuts 
rattled against our canvas roofs, and fairly paved the streets. At 



122 CHRONICLES OF THE 

tattoo the storm had not abated, and about midnight I awoke to 
find the water sweeping, a foot in depth, under my bunk, which is 
built according to the prevalent style in camp, of poles raised on 
crotches some distance from the ground. By raising the sides of 
our tent as high as possible, we managed to give the flood free 
passage, and fortunately we had driven our stakes deep. Rescuing 
our various items of personal property from the threatening waters, 
we rolled up our bedding, and piled them upon it, and then, with 
the torrent sweeping under our feet, we roosted disconsolate until 
dawn lighted the dismal scene. 

An old water course, which cuts the camp diagonally, is swollen 
to a miniature river, and woful indeed is the plight of those who 
unthinkingly built in its course. At the foot of the hill are collected 
amid the debris of the camp, tents, knapsacks, accoutrements, 
everything that could be washed away, and amid the ruin half the 
regiment are poking about for lost property ; worst of all, our 
rations of bread and coffee are spoiled, and half the cooking traps 
have taken a furlough. 

All the morning we worked in the trenches of our fort knee 
deep in water. Verily, fighting is not the hardest duty of the soldier, 
and patience is a rare virtue. Still, while the Quartermaster's whis- 
key lasts, this may be endured, at what future cost, who cares? 

The rebels are still making our pickets near Falls Church the 
object of their target practice. Yesterday a couple of their shells 
burst in the woods just below our camp. The battery on the hill 
above us immediately unlimbered one of their Parrott guns, and 
sent a few heavy shells where the smoke indicated the position of 
their batteries, which had the eftect of silencing them. 

In the afternoon we had an excellent sermon from the Rev. Mr. 
De Puy, for which the regiment gave him a vote of thanks. 

Thursday, Oct. 24th. — At last our fort is finished, and picks 
and spades are off duty once more, for which we are heartily thank- 
ful, while we look with pride upon the broad, firm parapet, the deep, 
wide ditch, with its threatening hem of abattis, and the neat, strong 
stockade our hands have built. It is a scientific work, and really a 
formidable defense, although only intended for seven guns. It will 
have no permanent armament or garrison. When called upon to 
name their work, the men unanimously elected to call it " Fort 
Rogers," but our noble Colonel, with characteristic modesty, 
" begged off," and accordingly the choice fell upon the next best 
name, " Fort Buffalo." 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 1 23 

The labor of its construction has not occupied all the time since 
its beginning, but has afforded an appropriate and agreeable offset 
to our other duties, alternating with drills in battalion, brigade, and 
division; and numerous inspections, reviews and parades. 

For the past two weeks the days have been pleasant, with few 
exceptions, and the nights bitterly cold. Many of the boys are 
building winter quarters, raising their tents upon logs cut in the 
woods below, and backed up the hill. Gen. Wadsworth has estab- 
lished his headquarters in a house upon the summit of the hill, in 
front of which a fort is being built, and a telegraph connects it with 
McDowell's, at Arlington. Everything indicates a prolonged stay, 
and we now expect at least to winter here. 

" All quiet on the Potomac," is still the gist of the daily tele- 
graph reports, and we of the rank and file hardly know whether to 
laugh with the stay-at-homes, who always mock at what they do 
not understand, or to take dignified refuge in the belief that we do 
understand the delay, and that it is a necessary one. Meantime, it 
makes little difference whether we do or not, except in so far as we 
influence the opinions of our friends in the masses at home, who 
represent what is called " public opinion," a power which few 
leaders care to ignore. 

For the past three days the weather has been rainy and disa- 
greeable. We seem to have taken a last farewell of all the poetry 
of camp life. Under the influence of these " melancholy days, the 
saddest of the year," added to the gloomy effect of the general 
threadbareness of nature's livery, we sit for days under leaky 
canvas, or slip about in the mud — wet, cold and uncomfortable gen- 
erally — and the sky never showing a bit of the " true blue " from 
dismal morning until murky night. No woncier that the heart 
barometer sinks to the lowest degree short of positive melancholy. 
Still the boys stand it nobly, and with their letter writing — that 
infallible antidote to the blues — their cards, and the various kinds 
of fun improvised by the humorists of the camp, we manage to 
beguile the tedium of this "winter of our discontent" to some 
degree. 

On the loth, private Mathewson lost his left hand by the acci- 
dental discharge of his musket. 

The 49th have had a skirmish some distance to our left. On 
the 1 6th, a detachment in command of Lieut. -Col. Alberger, made 
a reconnoissance of the position held by the enemy upon a hill near 
the picket line. They were fired upon from the hill, but continued 



124 CHRONICLES OF THE 

to advance, and the enemy fell back before their fire. Night coming 
on, and their force being too small for further operations, they in 
turn fell back, and regained their camp. But one man was wounded. 
Lieut. Algar Wheeler, of the Twenty-First, was present, and took 
part in the performance. 

On the same day. Adjutant Sternberg returned to camp with 
fourteen recruits from Buffalo. They are a fine lot of fellows. 

We have several times been ordered to prepare for an advance, 
but we are getting used to that, and take it as a matter of course. 

Monday, Nov. 4th. — This is a black day in our calendar. Last 
night, one hour before midnight. Sergeant Egbert Wallace, " B " 
Company, died of typhoid fever. 

From that low cot in the hospital tent, around which might 
stand none nearer of kin than his brothers in arms, while the wild 
night tempest wailed and sobbed without, like a dirge for the young 
life ebbing there, went out another free soul. 

Few knew young Wallace but to love him. Possessed of many 
endearing qualities, the light heart and generous impulses of youth, 
with all the energy and ambitious fire of maturer years, his loss is 
severely felt by his sorrowing comrades, by whom his memory will 
ever be sincerely cherished. 

This is the first death from disease in our regiment since its 
organization, a fact to be wondered at, when we remember that no 
regiment has been more exposed to unhealthy influence, or suffered 
more from severe and general illness. While men have been dying- 
daily in the camps around, we, thanks to the care and skill of Dr. 
V\/ilcox, and his assistant. Dr. Peters, have been passed over until 
now. May the future be as well for us in this respect, and if death 
must reap from these goodly ranks, let it be on the battle field. 

Wednesday, Nov. 6th. — This morning all attended the funeral 
services of Egbert Wallace. It was a most impressive scene. A 
soldier's funeral. Not under the dim canopy of one of man's 
temples ; not blocked by a sight-seeing crowd, nor followed by a 
train of showy vehicles, whose occupants may to-morrow forget the 
dead in his narrow house ; but under God's free dome, from which 
the storm canopy floated aside the while, attended by comrades 
whose grim faces bear traces of unusual tears, and heralded to the 
last abode by the wailing of brazen throats, and the mournful tuck 
of muffled drums. 

At ten, a detachment from each of the companies, with " B" 
entire, fell in and formed in two lines in front of the Colonel's tent. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 1 25 

resting upon their arms, and facing each other ; surrounded by the 
remainder of the regiment, assembled without arms. A stretcher 
was placed in the centre for a bier, and then, with the flag at half 
mast, and each head uncovered, while the band played a mournful 
dirge, the coffin, borne by four comrades, and preceded by the 
Chaplain, approached the centre of the square, from the tent where 
the body had lain in state. The burial service, always impressive 
and beautiful, seemed more so than ever,— so in keeping with its 
solemnity were all the surroundings. 

A short sermon from the Chaplain, with a moral from the life 
and death of our young comrade, and then a flag draped ambulance 
approached ; the striped and starry emblem of the cause he came 
to fight for, hid him from our view ; the slow, sad strains of the 
dead march followed it away, and the escort wheeled slowly into 

the rear. 

In the far away home his family wait to receive him, for among 
the graves of his kindred they would have him rest, so the last sad 
duty belongs not to us. At Arlington the escort fire a parting 
salute and return sadly to camp. 

The weather lately is very rainy and cold, and not the most 
favorable for an introduction to camp life. I fear the recruits who 
arrived this morning will have a hard time of it. 

Nov. 8th. — To-day we received our pay for the months of 
September and October, in the new treasury notes or " greenbacks." 

Wednesday, Nov. 20th. — A memorable day to the Army of 
the Potomac. Sixty thousand men to-day passed in review before 
the President and General McClellan. At eight this morning, with 
all things prepared as if for a long march, we fell in and took our 
way to Bailey's Cross Roads, where the immense waste, cleared of 
trees, fences and other obstructions, affords splendid review ground. 

Upon all roads, columns of foot and horse, and trains of 
artillery, were verging to this point, and in every direction the 
morning sun gleamed back from lines of bayonets, and the wind 
mingled the notes of martial music from many bands. 

We reached our position near the centre of the ground at 
about nine, and from that time until after noon the troops continued 
to pour in from every point, until as far as the eye could reach 
might be seen the dark masses, thickly covering the plain, and 
glittering with polished arms. Seven divisions,— McCall's, 
McDowell's, Heintzleman's, Porter's, Franklin's, Blenker's and 
Smith's,— comprising ninety regiments of infantry, twenty batteries, 



126 CHRONICLES OF THE 

and nine regiments of cavalry, making a total of nearly sixty 
thousand men, were gathered within a space of three square miles. 
A more magnificent spectacle is rarely seen. It was heart stirring. 

Soon after noon, we heard in the distance the swell of the music 
and thunder of cannon, announcing that the commander was 
approaching. It was some time before he reached our part of the 
field, and we stood waiting and listening to the cheers which, in 
defiance of all discipline, greeted him as he rode along the line. 
McDowell, who prefers always military propriety rather than 
popularity, was peremptory in ordering his division to avoid 
"disgracing themselves" in such a manner; but when "little Mac" 
came in sight, even the presence of our stern old division com- 
mander, and the warning glance of his eye as he attended the Chief 
along his lines, could not suppress an occasional cheer. Our own 
regiment, however, kept silence. 

As he approached, band after band took up the strain, " Hail 
to the Chief," and every musket was brought to a " present." As 
he passed he scanned the ranks with a quick eye, occasionally 
addressing some remark to the President, who rode by his side, or 
to one of the accompanying generals, seemingly well pleased. 
More than an hour was thus occupied, although they rode fast from 
line to line ; and then McClellan took his stand on the north side of 
the plain, surrounded by his stafi^, while in the rear were grouped 
the thousands of civilians who had crossed to see the display, 
among whom the ladies seemed most numerous, and waved their 
white hands and handkerchiefs with commendable perseverance. 

The infantry passed in close column by division, the cavalry in 
company front, and it took four hours and thirty -six tninutes for all 
to pass in review, although in as close order as possible. It was 
rumored that the object of the review was to select the best troops 
\ox special service, and every regiment did its very best. As the 
Twenty-First wheeled into column, the Colonel said "Now, steady, 
boys! remember your reputation is at stake," — and we did 
remember it, every elbow just touched its neighbor, our feet touched 
the ground together, as if controlled by some unseen clockwork, 
every eye was fixed to the front as though frozen in its socket, and 
every mouth firmly closed. I don't think a single face relaxed one 
iota even when McClellan was plainly heard to say, "That is well 
done, men," — but all heard it, and remember it in mutual 
gratulations. 

We returned to camp at dark. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. ^^y 

Thursday, Nov. 28th, i86i,-and Thanksgiving day.-Have 

the other side, too, and compar.ng the presen w th past thanks 
• • c R P^nlt a heavy balance in favor of the latter. 

'''^' Moon reconnoissances have been renewed on this part of the 

» , „ ,„ H,v Prof Lowe's monster observatory made 

!:%pt::: : ^rm^f ^i^hborhood. 0„ Su„cjay, the .^th 

some snow fell, and next day we took our first turn of picket duty 



" A^:: porting the men o. the ftrst relief, the reserve, in 
commliS o? Gen! Wadsworth. proceeded to secttre some orag. 
consisting of a large quantity ol corn hay, and °*^^; \°K™™ 
some sixty head of cattle, at the farm known as Doolan s, 

' ""iSmtt" *e 30th N. Y. V. .ere ^^^pHsed about ^je^^ 
before at this place, while on the same errand, and thrrty of their 

"""xLtrro't^rorder of their master it is supposed, asked the 
men^nto tfeir quarters, offering "^^^^l^oe c.ke an m k^ T e 
bait took, and while all were engaged w.th the '^^ TT.l 
1 ,„. ,L rebel cavalry swooped down upon them. A lew 
esc ?ed b t a ir horsel wagons and arms fell into the hands oi 
the enemy. The others are now doubtless paying, in Richmond, 
tlie orice of their neglect of ordinary caution. 

■Nearly all the slves have taken French leave; a few had been 
sent to Fairfax by their masters for safety, probably those he 
considered least reliable. . . . 

The old "Aunty" who gave us a cup °f •™»;^"^^.';^* " 
door bewailed the fate of her youngest daughter. Marse 
WUhamTst said„"done send her to wait on dem secesh officers, 
an T snec I won't see her any more. 

We assured the good old creature, who by the way was almost 
as wWte :: ourselves'that when we took Fairfax we would send her 



128 CHRONICLES OF THE 

daughter home, a promise that seemed to give her much comfort. 
Our conversation with her left no doubt as to " Marse Wilham's" 
comphcity in the capture. She said that when the troops were 
about to leave, the leader rode up to her door and gave her a letter, 
saying "give that to your master William and tell him I am 7nuch 
obliged^ The old man has been arrested and sent to Washington. 

Picket duty is not quite so pleasant as in the summer, but an 
occasional cavalry raid, or affair with the sneaking bushwhackers 
who infest the lines, makes it just dangerous enough to be inter- 
esting. Stuart's Virginia Cavalry are just now our especial bug- 
bear, and harrassing the pickets seems to be their especial delight. 
The woods abound in a gaunt, lean kind of pigs, and if they ever 
were domesticated they have forgotten the fact, for at the approach 
of man, they snort and scud away with tucked up bellies and 
bristling backs, as if conscious of his inherent love of fresh meat. 
Although firing, except in case of an alarm, is strictly prohibited, 
piggy does sometimes tempt the charge out of the musket of some 
.hungry soldier, and those who prefer the lean are sure to get 
enough of it. But in the night when all is quiet, and the watchful 
sentinel listens intently for any unusual sound that may warn him 
of a hostile approach, he is sometimes startled by the stealthy tread 
of one of these porcine foragers. 

The nearest approach to an alarm on our first night, was in 
this wise : Of the four men at our station, one was posted and the 
others were to relieve in their turn, each standing two hours. It 
was near midnight when a hearty kick roused me from a sound 
sleep beside the little fire we had built, and masked with boughs, 
in the rear of our post. I needed to ask no questions, for I saw 
that each man had taken a tree, and I hastened to follow the 
example. The man on post had heard strange noises, and seen 
dark objects moving along the ground in front. With suspended 
breath and eager eyes, we looked and listened, expecting each 
moment to see the flash of arms, and meet the rush of our assailants. 
Thus passed some moments of intense anxiety. The wind rustled 
through the pines, just breaking the gloomy silence with a sound 
more gloomy. Each one stood like a statue beside his tree, and 
the flickering light of the fire only served to distort and mingle the 
objects around. Suddenly it occurred to us, that by being in the 
light we exposed ourselves without gaining any advantage, and so, 
with muskets at a "ready," we moved forward from tree to tree, 
intent upon proving the cause of our alarm. Suddenly we saw 



' TWENTY- I^IRST REGIMENT. 1 29 

them. One, two, three, four, — yes, there were four, and they were 
down upon hands and knees, and seemed to be Hstening. "Who 
goes there?" demanded a chorus of four preternaturally steady 
voices, while four muskets at deadly level waited the reply, when, 
— Oh, shades of Pan! — a medley of astonished snorts and grunts 
responded, and a troop of wild hogs ingloriously turned tail and 
scampered through the pines ! 

We returned to our fire somewhat crestfallen, but the joke was 
too good, and we laughed long and heartily. Had he on post been 
a man of weak nerves, he would have undoubtedly fired at first, and 
never would have believed but that danger and death were that 
night his near neighbors. 

Blenker's pickets, on our left, were driven in by rebel cavalry 
next morning. No lives lost. At three o'clock, the 35th passed 
us, going towards Fairfax on a reconnoisance. Soon afterwards the 
men on post were relieved, and marched in to the reserve. 

We found the boys very comfortably situated in a grove of 
young pines. They had built large bough houses, making first a 
framework of poles, and then laying on a heavy thatch of cedar 
boughs, with the tips down and overlapping in such a manner as to 
shed water. It is surprising to observe how man adapts himself to 
circumstances. All the luxuries of home seem to be forgotten, and 
those who least appreciated them are exulting in the comforts of an 
open shed and a roaring fire, and beds of fragrant cedar boughs. 
Against the trees hang the carcases of some defunct grunters, 
possibly killed in mistake for "secesh." No one asks any questions, 
and all slice for themselves, rammers and bayonets serving as 
substitutes for spits. Some of the boys have brought some buck- 
wheat flour in their haversacks, and are frying pancakes for 
breakfast. Others have been foraging, and are feasting on fresh 
hoe-cakes and milk, bought of the darkies. Some are cleaning 
their guns ; others squat in groups, very intent on the mysteries of 
whist, euchre or "seven up ;" a few are writing; more are reading; 
many are rolled snug in their blankets, sleeping off the fatigue of 
that "last trick " on post ; while a noisy party are making the woods 
ring with some boyish game of romps. Every true lover of nature 
is at heart a vagrant, and there is to such an one something 
irresistibly attractive in the wild freedom of this kind of life. 

On the 27th we were relieved from picket duty by the 20th 
Militia, and returned to camp. It was a rainy, disagreeable day, 
and the mud very deep, so that we were somewhat wet and dirty 



130 CHRONICLES OF THE 

after our four miles march back to camp. Soon after relieving us, 
the 20th were charged upon by Stuart's Cavalry, but had the good 
luck to lose no men. 

To-day, (28th,) it still rains. Col. Rogers has gone home on 
sick leave, and Lieut. -Col. Root, who arrived from Buffalo on the 
25th, is in command. 

Tuesday, Dec. 3d. — A bitter cold day. We have just returned 
from an expedition in search of Stuart's Cavalry. 

Last night at one o'clock we were roused with orders to 
prepare to march at three. No one knew our destination, or what 
we were expected to do, and we naturally supposed that a general 
advance was being made. So we packed everything we must leave 
behind, and filled our haversacks and canteens, also taking good 
care to have plenty of cartridges in our boxes. 

At three we were on the march, the men in excellent spirits 
and boiling with excitement. The moon gave us but a little fitful 
light through a cloudy sky, but as the road was frozen firm we 
marched rapidly. Our course was out the Leesburg turnpike, and 
toward Fairfax, and all felt certain that this time we should see 
some fighting. A regiment of cavalry and a battery passed us just 
below Falls Church. 

At daylight we halted, filing off from the road into a thick pine 
undergrowth, having marched about seven miles. Our "position 
commanded the road by which we came, and also another from the 
direction of our lines, which joined it here, and we now learned the 
object of the expedition. Stuart's Cavalry had been seen on our 
right the day before, and was supposed to be still in the vicinity of 
our lines. Hoping to trap them, various forces had been sent out 
quietly at the same time, to occupy different points by which they 
might attempt to return, and cut off their retreat, while other forces 
were to beat the country in search of them. Our orders were to 
lie quietly in the bushes and be ready for them. So throwing out 
scouts to guard against surprise, we waited. Fairfax was but half 
a mile away, and we heard the reveille in the rebel camps quite 
plainly, — so plainly that we began to think we stood a fair chance 
for a fight, whether the cavalry came or not, if we were to stay 
there long. It was so cold that the water froze in our canteens, 
and as we could of course build no fires, and were obliged to lie 
perfectly quiet under cover of the little trees, the discomforts of our 
position may be imagined. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. ^S^ . 

Our Major would not even allow us to smoke our pipes, and 
warned us of the danger of any risk that might betray us to the 
neighboring foe. A litter of plump, white, temptmg lookmg pigs, 
just the right size for roasters, put our forbearance to an mcon- 
ceivable test by wandering through the grove, almost within reach. 
We looked upon the innocents with gloating eyes, but the Major 
was there, and it wouldn't do to risk even the faintest bit of a 
squeal. He was even fain to drive them away lest some one should 

come to look for them. a a *r. 

Thus passed the day, and at three o'clock we were ordered to 
fall in and get back silently. Our plan, through some treachery, 
probably, had become known in time to enable the enemy to avoid 
us, and so our lying all day in ambush,-or, as the boyssay, u. 
a«c.,»•./^- resulted in nothing but disappointment. We arrived in 
camp at dark this evening, rather tired and hungry. _ 

At nine o'clock last Friday night, (29th,) we received orders 
to march at four next morning, but after our making every prepara- 
tion the orders were countermanded. Yesterday we had a 
thorough inspection, and everything was found to be in excellent 

order throughout. 

Saturday, Dec. 7th.- The last three days have been delight- 
fully fine; the weather much like our Indian Summer at home 
The hills are brown, and the forests blazing with the rich red and 
yellow of the unfallen leaves,- except in the distance where the 
hazy atmosphere blends all with the dull gold of the sunlight. 
Beautiful days for wanderings beside running streams, or in the 
forests or for basking on the hill sides and dreaming the hours 
away ' Even in her present aspect of decay and ruin, Virginia is 
still beautiful, noble in decline. Nature has given here 'with an 
unsparing hand, but man has introduced a curse,-the serpent has 
been at work, and this Eden, like that of old, becomes a desert. 

From any of these hills may be numbered many blackened 
chimneys that rise above hearths now cold,-warmed last by the 
brand of the destroyer. How sad to look upon one of these rums ; 
the charred roof-trees, the gardens trampled, the flowers destroyed, 
the vine and trellis broken down together, and think how sadly 
sacred every nook of the forsaken home must be in the bitter 
memory of some exile. 

The forests, so long the pride of these hills and vales, are for 
miles laid prostrate in the range of our guns, and thickly clothe the 
ground with their decaying leaves. An age will not replace them. 



132 CHRONICLES OF THE 

but Virginia will recover her forests sooner than wipe away the 
enduring blot on her fair name, and the terrible results of retribution. 

Wide indeed is the desolation of war, and peace with her 
restoring wand follows but slowly and painfully in his desolated path. 

To-day we have been reviewed by Gov. Morgan. He was 
expected yesterday but did not come, and we had a review " on our 
own hook," before the Major. To-day he came, and this morning 
our division assembled at Ball's. We were on the ground at eight. 
The fog was unfortunately so thick as to sadly mar the effect of the 
display, and considerable skill must have been displayed in avoiding 
a confusion in the movements. However, it was satisfactory, and 
McDowell said we had never done better, which was considerable 
for him to say, as he rarely condescends to commend. 

At parade this evening, we greeted the return of our Colonel 
from Buffalo, with three rousing cheers. It is his ffrst absence, and 
he must have used immense self sacrifice to tear himself from home 
again after so short a visit. 

Sunday, Dec. 15th. — For the last four days we have been very 
busy in removing our camp to the summit of the hill, and building- 
winter quarters. Last Thursday our officers staked out the new 
ground, upon the site until then occupied by the 5th Rhode Island 
Battery. It is a splendid location, somewhat exposed to the wind, 
of course, but none the less healthy for that. Our new camp fronts 
the road ; just in the rear is a line of shade trees, among which the 
officers' quarters are placed; and still farther back, is a very large 
barn, of which our Quartermaster has taken possession. An old 
dwelling just on the brow of the eastern slope, and to the left of the 
camp, makes an excellent hospital, and from this point we have a 
fine view of all the country between us and Washington, the dome 
of the Capitol looming in the distance, and beyond, the blue hills 
of Maryland. 

Across the road, within a stone's throw of the camp is Fort 
Upton, and in its rear is the mansion, now occupied by the General 
of our brigade. To the left of this is the camp of the 20th* N. Y. 
S. M., and the 23d are still further back upon a low ridge on the 
southern slope. The 35th still occupy their first camp at Taylor's 
Tavern. 

A uniform construction of quarters tor the companies was 
decided upon by the Colonel. The streets are eighteen feet in 

* This regiment had lately l^een assigned to our brigade. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. I33 

width, with a trench on either side, the tents of each company in 
two hnes facing each other, and in the rear of each is an interval of 
four feet, separating it from the rear of its neighbor in the next 
company. Along this interval is another trench, communicating 
between the tents with the one in the street. These, if kept open, 
will aid greatly in keeping the camp dry, as the ground has quite a 
slope to the front. 

The tents themselves are raised on log walls four feet in height, 
the interiors floored with boards brought from long distances by 
the boys, that commodity being in great demand, and proportion- 
ately scarce. The ruined buildings in the neighborhood have been 
appropriated, piecemeal, long since, even to the last nail, or bit of 
wood or iron, that could be made of any possible use in camp. The 
bricks from the chimneys are used to build fireplaces and chimneys 
in the quarters, and where the architect finds his material giving 
out, before the vent has reached a sufficient height, he tops it with 
a barrel. These furnaces are becoming rather unpopular. It is 
considered capital fun to drop a few cartridges down your 
neighbor's chimney, which may be considered rather practical, but 
is undoubtedly a new way of cracking a joke. The joked party 
moreover, rarely fails to see the point, and usually sallies out with 
considerable profanity, and the biggest convenient stick, in search 
of the funny party, but usually is obliged to content himself with 
repeating the joke on some one, who in turn victimizes some one 
else, and so it goes. By the way, this is the usual course of camp 
justice, as practiced by the men, without the trouble and uncertainty 
of an appeal to authority. If your blanket, cup, canteen, or any 
other article is appropriated by some person or persons unknown, 
and not easy to be discovered, you must say nothing, but just 
capture the first like article you find lying around loose, the owner 
of which will, as a matter of Course, "go and do likewise." This 
proceeding is not considered theft ; no particular blame is attached 
to it, and the process is called zainnmg, Blenkering, or out-flankiiig, 
military terms being considered most legitimate. 

A considerable improvement in warming the tents is the small 
sheet iron stove now extensively manufactured in Washington, and 
beginningto be generally used in camp. They are also very con- 
venient forcooking purposes. The interior accommodations of the 
quarters are gotten up according to the taste and convenience 
of the occupants, and present a great and ingenious variety of 
useful contrivances. 



134 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Altogether we may be quite as comfortable as we choose, and 
the prospect is good for an easy and agreeable time until spring 
opens another campaign. 

The weather continues fine. Last Monday morning being very 
pleasant, we were excused from drills to give us an opportunity to 
wash our clothes. A fine stream, with a clean rocky bed, at the 
foot of the hill, is an excellent place for this ; and here, on a fine 
morning, the men resort with their " washing," and to bathe, taking 
time for the latter duty while their clothes are drying. 

In the afternoon we were ordered out to exercise in firing, with 
blank cartridges, but were hardly out of camp when we were met 
with orders to hurry to the support of Blenker's brigade, whose 
pickets had suddenly been driven in by the enemy's cavalry, and 
were having a lively time. Only waiting to exchange our blanks 
for ball cartridges, we started on the double cjuick, taking the right 
of our brigade. 

As usual, we had a good run lor nothing, only seeing a parcel 
of bewildered Dutchmen, half frightened out of their wits, and 
insisting, each louder than the other, that they had barely escaped 
annihilation. The enemy, however, had retired, and no lives had 
been lost ; and so we took the road for camp, where we arrived at 
sundown, rather tired and hungry, and without having gained any 
additional laurels. 

Next day we had a division drill, with a sham battle, during 
which we got up a high state of excitement. Feats of prodigious 
valor were innumerable, the charges were splendid, and bravely 
met, and we were smutted with powder to our heart's content. It 
was really a fine sight ; almost as good to look at as the reality. The 
lines dimly seen in proportion to their distance in the smoky 
atmosphere ; the leveled muskets belching their sulphurous jets, 
and the rammers twinkling overhead as they were loaded again ; 
the batteries seen for a moment, then hid in a cloud of their own 
making, the cavalry charging with wild yells, madly swinging their 
sabres, cutting and hewing, and then filing to right and left, to form 
again in the rear, with here and there some genius kicking about on 
the ground, and dying in the most approved stage manner, together 
with many an involuntary tumble, leaving a riderless horse to gallop 
away, while his discomfited rider picked himself up and got out ot 
the way, made it a stirring sight. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 13' 

We have orders to-night to prepare to march at daybreak. It 
is supposed the object of the expedition is to secure forage for the 
brigade. 

Monday, Dec. 1 6th.— This morning at four we left camp, taking 
the Vienna road, which we followed until within a short distance of 
that place, with Fairfax in sight on our left. Our brigade was out 
in force, and well supported. Several batteries and regiments of 
cavalry accompanied the expedition, which had for its object, first, 
a complete survey for a map of the country ; next, the capture of a 
large amount of forage, consisting of corn, oats and hay. Both 
were accomplished without any opposition, our force being tO( 
strong to tempt an attack. From the movements of other forces 
through the day, it was apparent that the whole of the debatable 
country between the lines was being mapped, probably from 
Leesburg to the neighborhood of Germantown. Our scouting 
parties found in the old camps many documents of rare interest, 
principally letters and orders written before the fight at Bull Run, 
and which have been carefully sent home. In the camp of the 8th 
South (Carolina Regiment, I found the original muster roll of 
company " C." It is a curiosity. The blank is filled up in a round 
clerkly hand, which is again recognized, where the officers signed 
their names, as that of one of the lieutenants. About one-third of 
the men could write their names ; the rest had scrawled their 
marks. Of those who could write, about one in six has made his 
name legible, and the lines zigzag down the columns like a Virginia 
fence. Evidently the boast of our chivalrous neighbors about theu" 
" best blood," in the rank and file, does not cover all cases. Here 
we see an evidence of the contrary. 

We arrived in camp at four in the afternoon, with eighty wagon 
loads of forage. The farmers from whom it was taken objected 
strongly, although assured that the receipts given them would be 
good for the value of the property taken, and, if they could prove 
their loyalty, prompdy cashed in Washington. The fact of their 
remaining unmolested so near, in fact, until lately, within the rebel 
lines, is rather against them. The people living in a part of the 
country thus exposed to both parties, have a most precarious tenure 
of their possessions. Either party may plunder them, as it is 
impossible to be loyal to both, and to temporize with one is to call 
down the vengeance of the other. I think it would be but fair m 
the government to protect these people first and depend upon then- 
loyalty afterward. It is but natural for them to endeavor to save 



;36 CHRONICLES OF THE 

their families from penury by appearing to sympathize with the 
rebel while his power surrounds them ; and it is hard that they 
should for no greater disloyalty than this be stripped of their 
support for the winter months. 

The railroad beyond our picket lines has been destroyed, the 
rails torn up and bent, being heated in the piles of burning ties, and 
twisted among the rocks in such a manner as to make it impossible 
to straighten them by any means within our command. The wagon 
""oads are ditched across and blockaded in many places. It is said 
hat the rebels do not expect to hold this part of the State, but 
ntend only to make it worthless to any one else. Poor old 
v^irginia suffers for consenting to rake the chestnuts of the central 
and border States out of the fire, and now they mock the agonies 
of their dupe. 

Dec. 29th. — Another death in our regiment. Bowman, of " H " 
Company, left camp Christmas morning to visit some friends in 
another regiment, and did not return. He was found the day after 
Christmas, on the railroad a mile from camp, frozen to death. 

His funeral, at two this afternoon, was attended by a large part 
of the regiment. He was buried in the old church-yard at Falls 
Church. 

Christmas was duly observed in camp. Men were excused 
from all drills for the day, and passes granted to all who asked. A 
privilege used by so many that the camp was nearly deserted. 

We went on picket duty next day, and after forty-eight hours 
of the usual fatigue and cold, were relieved by the 29th. Hardly 
had we reached camp when we were ordered out to take our place 
in the division, a drill and sham battle at Bailey's furnishing the 
occasion. After reaching the ground " B " and " D " were detached 
as skirmishers, to take the right of the division, and then followed 
two hours of violent exercise, made more severe by the weight of 
the knapsacks, which we were not allowed to lay aside. 

We now approach the end of the year. When we left home 
we little thought the year 1862 would find us still in Virginia, but 
hoped long ere this to see the old flag restored to its place in every 
State from the Potomac to the Gulf 

How near that consummation is approaching, who can say ? 
but at any rate we have long since abandoned the idea of an easy 
conquest of the disaffected portion of the Union. 

To attempt a detailed summary of what has been gained in the 
struggle against the "monster" whose back-bone the war journals 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. I37 

have so repeatedly declared broken, would in us be a work of 
supererogation. Rather let the impartial verdict of the future sum 
our triumphs and our failures, and proceed we with the humble 
memorial which confines us to the labors of a mere fraction in the 
hosts of the Union. Perhaps, after all, our chiefest triumph thus 
far is not so much in what our enemies have suffered at our hands, 
as in the proofs a world has witnessed, of the devotion of a great 
people to the principles inherited from the fathers who maintained 
them in the face of almost overwhelming obstacles. 

Of our own part in the drama of the day, those who have 
followed our fortunes through the preceding pages can judge for 
themselves. That it is not an easy one is evinced by the anxiety 
of all, from highest to lowest, for the commencement of an active 
campaign, dreading the fatigues of the march and the perils of the 
field much less than the tasteless drudgery of an army of occupation. 

We have been nearly eight months in the service. The 
regiment has gained much in that time. In discipline and condition 
for severe and efficient duty we stand second to few. The hard 
work we have had to do has tested and developed endurance and 
sifted out the physically inefficient, and discipline has effected the 
same good result in the moral condition of the command. 

We left Elmira with seven hundred and fifty-four enlisted men. 
Our loss from deaths and in number discharged, is eighty-four, and 
we have had sixty-four recruits, making the present strength of the 
regiment seven hundred and thirty-eight men, rank and file. The 
recruits were sworn in for the unexpired term. Their names are 
as follows : — 

Co. " A " — John Schmidt, Jas. Bell, James Brown, Michael 
Cauley, John W. Doney, John Hays, Joseph H. Jones, Michael 
Kriffer, Peter Kline, Jacob A. Langmeyer, Peter Bieber, Antony 
Dasher, Christian Henry, Stoughton C. Moore, William Munroe, 
William R. Bassett, William C. Carter, Josephus Cheaney, George 
Smith, John J. Smith. 

Co. "B" — August Bommell, Chas. A. Buchanan, Hugh 
Donaldson, Marvin Luke, Geo. Meaner, Daniel Morningstar, Louis 
Reihl, Orrin Stickney, Orson Stone, Edward Van Ornam, Henry 
Hill. 

Co. " C " — Eugene Dickinson, Wm. Fox, Elbridge O. Gary, 
Ezra C. Hull, Wm. McDonald, Chas. Peterson, James G. Remington, 
Reuben A. Scofield, Conrad D. Stabler, Francis A. Valentine, 
George Williams, Curtis W. Rose, Robert Sutclifte, Chas. R. Peck, 



138 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Wm. G. Rice, Lova M. Fuller, Charles Kingman^ Stephen iM. 
Barker. 

Co. " D " — Heman Guild, Benjamin F. Hemstreet. James L. 
Hill, Walter B. Hubbard, Frank Robinson, William B. Taylor, 
Burt Woodworth, Michael J. Birsch, Wm. R. Deacon, Robert W. 
Deacon, George N. Merrill, Henry C. Stevens, John Brazill, 
Michael J. Coan. 

Co. " E " — Daniel Barst, John Moore, Benjamin Adamy, 
Homer M. Choate, Wm. H. Hause, Wm. G. Monroe, Jacob 
Randall, John Herman, Geo. W. Proctor, Wilder Vantine, George 
A. Hamlin, Franklin Steiver, Godfrey Hermann, Edward Cook, 
Byron Chaffee. 

Co. " F " — Franklin Averill, Walter E. LaMontagne, James 
R. Lewis, John G. Mayer, Milton Moon, Joseph Olheiser, Julius C. 
Ritter, Alfred Sweetapple, Matthew M. Upthigrove, Peter Besor, 
James McCarty, James Wilson, Erhard Wurthan, Wm. W. Bement, 
George Mauley. 

Co. " G " — Philip Hassinger, Henry H. Kinsky, Chas. W. 
Myers. 

Co. " H " — Sanford Freeman, John Trigg. 

Co. '"I" — R.J. Patterson, Jos. Lasson, Henry J. Fox, Adam 
Keel, Henry Muncie, Edwin Irwin, John Diegle. 

Co. " K " — John J. Brush, Philip Herbold, Alanson Bulson, 
Caspar BUeler, Edward V. Babcock, Marcus Fields, William C. 
Hubbell, Wilbur Mitchell, John McKibbin, Louis J. Ottenot, Jas. 
E. Reed, Joseph Reed, Albert Zimmerman, Chauncey B. Mathewson, 
William H. More, Chas. E. Morselow, Thos. H. Mahama, James 
Kelley, Conrad Kline, Joseph Prior. 

Private Cleveland Houghton of " D," has been promoted to 
the Adjutancy of the 25th (Col. Kerrigan's) Regiment, N. Y. S. V. 

To-night we are "watching" the old year out and the new in. 
The usual discipline of the camp is relaxed. At " taps," the 
curfew of the camp, the stentor voice of our Adjutant does not, as 
usual, thunder a warning to surreptitious burners of government 
tallow, and a majority of the boys are quietly enjoying the 
unaccustomed indulgence, and arranging plans for to-morrow's 
jollification, of which more anon. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 139 



CHAPTER VI. 



New Year's Day in Camp. — A Reverie. — Order of the Day. — The Weather during January and 
February. — Mud. — Camp Duty. — Drills. — Target Practice. — Pay-day again. — The Allotment 
Act. — Kindness of the Citizens of Buffalo. — The Lady Visitors in Camp. — Washington's Birth- 
Day. — A Hurricane. — Preparations for an Advance. 

^^ T "T TiSH you a happy New Year, boys! " says the Captain, 
V V P0PP^"& ^^^ head into our tent just as reveille is 
coaxing our morning slumbers away, and " Sounds from Home " 
are sweetly floating through the camp from the eloquent instruments 
of Cramer and his band, irresistibly carrying the waking thoughts 
back to old happy times and far away Buffalo. 

We hear the Captain's greeting repeated and returned from 
tent to tent down the street, and the words come to us with a new 
meaning ; around them form new thoughts, new ideas, blended with 
longings often and sadly felt before, but now making a halo round 
the mystic invocation, and bright with the radiance of hope. What 
are those words to us ? Shall the happiness we ask be answered in 
the renewal of old and cherished ties ? Shall a nation rejoice that war 
and desolation cease, and the dawn of a new day opens upon us in 
this eighteenth century and sixty-second year of the Gospel of 
Peace ? Or does it mean the happiness born of a faithful discharge 
of duties that bring no greater reward than the consciousness of 
faithful effort for the right, strength and patience under a soldier's 
trials, and a firmer trust in the Power that " doeth all things well ? " 
Happy New Year ! The words seem set to music, and float 
above us like chimes of joyful bells. Before the soldier's eye pass 
in review the home scenes in which to-day his spirit takes a part. 
Loved forms and faces hover round, dearly-remembered voices 
mingle in happy greeting, and warm kisses tremble upon the lip. 
They are all there, and again he listens for the joyful clamor of the 
old church bells, and his heart laughs in his happy fullness. Again 
with time-honored customs, the salutation of the season marks the 
renewal of social ties, the board is spread with hospitable welcome 
to friend and stranger alike, and the sparkling glass pledges a 
thousand times the happiness of days to come. 



■140 CHRONICLES OF THE 

The scene changes, brighter but not more happy. Again are 
gathered the young and beautiful where, hke a dream of bewildering 
loveliness, they combine the drifting, eddying changes of the dance. 
The soul drinks the music, the feet seem winged expositors of its 
meaning and move lightly to its free and joyous measure, while a 
gentle pressure on the arm, a fragrant breath upon the cheek, a 
glimpse into soul-deep eyes, or the thrilling touch of a fairy hand, 
sends an alarm to the heart, and signal lights to the eyes, and 
a sighing challenge to the lips ; and just then, like the Turk who 
woke from his last bright dream to die " 'mid shout, and groan, and 
sabre stroke," you hear, not the "sentry's shriek," but that of a 
much suffering Sergeant, 

" Fall in for roll call ! " 

Where are we? — and they! Alas! home is hundreds of 
miles away, and to us might as well be thousands, and we are in 
our tent again. The morning is cold the stove won't " draw," the 
tent is full of smoke, and the " boy with the auburn hair " is on his 
knees, alternately blowing the fire and rubbing his eyes, with a 
muttered — blessing, perhaps, — I'm not certain, and we all hurry 
on our traps and get into the street just as the Sergeant./r^ tevi. is 
forming the line. 

To-day we reverse the order of things in this regiment. Last 
night, as each officer laid off his shoulder-strapped coat, he knew 
his successor had been elected from the ranks, and that he should, 
this morning have to invest him with that badge of authority, and 
himself assume the private's jacket and his place in the ranks. 
This arrangement was agreed to by the officers and ordered by 
Colonel Rogers ; and last evening we held an election of new line 
officers, they in turn choosing their field and staff. Seymour 
Colton, " D," is Colonel; Samuel McMurray, of " F," Lieut. - 
Colonel; John W. Comstock, of " I," Major; Willett Fargo, ol 
" D," Quartermaster; John Bidwell, of " B," Adjutant; John 
Metcalf, of" D," Surgeon ; and Almond Darling, of " C," Chaplain. 

Guard-mounting, at nine, went off in excellent style. Captain 
Tuttle, of " D," being officer of the day, and Lieut. Sheppard, ot 
" C," officer of the guard. Many of the old officers were on guard, 
others were chopping wood and carrying water for the cooks, with 
a meek resignation to their lot. And let it be recorded that no 
reprisals were attempted by those, for the time, in power. Only 
one of the deposed resisted, and he was summarily arrested and 
hustled oft" to the guard-house, as an example to all malcontents. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. I4I 

The morning- passed pleasantly, many novel and diverting 
contrivances helping to that end. Among these were the calls. 
Ladies (!) in pork barrel hoops and blankets — a la crinoline — 
received calls, dispensing small talk and refreshments, and provoking 
unlimited flirtations. So passed the time until the dinner hour. 

Friends at home ! Think not to-day your cherished ones are 
deprived of the creature comforts they crave. For your own tables, 
loaded though they be with the best and richest the market aflbrdeth, 
cannot present so marked a contrast to your ordinary work-a-day 
fare, as doth the serving board of our cooking quarters to its 
customary garniture. For know ye that we have acquired a gem 
of a sutler, and through his exertions we have forestalled even the 
Washingtonians, in the poultry market, and verily oj^sters are not 
wanting. The camp floweth also with lager beer, kegs of that 
amber- hued beverage having traveled hither from the camp of the 
Garibaldians, in exchange for much greenbacks. Therefore are 
we jolly and drive dull care away, and forget not to drink a fathom 
or more to your health and happiness. Don't imagine we are 
drunken. Oh no, we are only happy, as becomes the day. 

Immediately after dinner, all assembled in front of Col. Rogers' 
quarters, and a fine flag staff soon reared its towering crest of pine- 
tuft upon this highest spot ; and when our old garrison flag had 
been run "apeak," Col. Colton, who had directed the proceedings, 
made a speech, ending by naming our new camp " Niagara," 
receiving the immediate approbation of all present, expressed by 
three stout cheers and a " Buffalo." 

Parade, at the usual hour, was witnessed by a large gathering 
from the camps around, attracted by the fame of our doings. 
Everything went off" well, and no spectator could have surmised 
that the real officers were not in command. Instead, they were in 
the ranks, and did almost as well as their substitutes, allowing for 
the fact that a fall in rank is worn less gracefully by most men than 
a promotion. It had been proposed, as appropriate to the occasion, 
to end with an address by the new Chaplain, George N. Merrill, of 
" D," (vice Darling, resigned), but owing to the difficulty of forming 
square upon the narrow parade ground, this was omitted. 

After parade were brought forth two slab-sided, vicious-looking 
pigs, furnished by the ex-officers, coated, in spite of their ear- 
splitting protests, with a good layer of grease, and escorted by the 
band and all the drums of the regiment to a large field near camp. 
Two men from each company were allowed to compete for the prize. 



142 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Spare-rib No. i did not see the point. He evidently was bewildered, 
and didn't know what was expected of him, and his stupid career 
suddenly ended in the hands of two of " B's " men, who, by right of 
tenure exerted on ears, legs and tail, claimed nine points of the law, 
and bore off their lien in triumph. 

Not so with porker No. 2. Evidently expecting to make a 
clear case, and profiting by the experience of his predecessor, he 
no sooner felt himself free than he made a break in lovely style, and 
then followed such a race as scrub riders might dream of The 
pursuit waxes hot. Piggy don't relish the close attention of his 
friends, and, with rare decision of purpose, changes his tactics by 
making a sudden and most unexpected halt ; and while about a 
dozen soldiers collide at a tangent, and sprawl upon the ground 
with greased shins and ugly bruises, bears away in a new direction, 
exulting in the success of his stratagem. More ground and lofty 
tumbling follows, when another attempt is made to outflank him ; 
but at last his enemies, by virtue of strength and number, win the 
day, and he is borne away, still loudly arguing the injustice of the 
proceeding. 

" B " and " G " Companies will dine to-morrow on fresh pork. 

At sunset bona fide authority resumed its place, and the camp 
quietly assumed its usual appearance. The day had passed most 
pleasantly, and if the days of the succeeding year are to follow the 
pattern, if the real officers and privates maintain the same mutual 
good feeling, and profit by their brief experience of each other's 
trials, all will be well. 

During the months of January and February it rained almost 
continuously, and it was with much difficulty and suffering that our 
ordinary duties of picket and regimental guard, and the necessary 
work of the camp, could be performed. Our trials may be summed 
up in one word, and that is, mud! Cleanliness and comfort, 
synonymous terms with men whose homes are not forgotten, were 
no more; literally sunk in the floods of weakly dilute alluvium, that 
everywhere clogged the feet of the army. On duty our shoes were 
full of it, our garments a mass of mingled fibix and clay, our belts 
and arms. plashed and smeared with the "sacred soil," and so were 
bunks, seats and floors in our tents. Even our food could not 
escape the universal contamination : pork, soup and beans were 
more or less gritty, and our coffee thick with the clayey solution 
from the spring, which never had time to settle. Guard duty was 
hard, but few of the boys will remember any duty more severe than 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 143 

that of the succeeding day, when the old guard were obliged to 
procure the wood and water for the cooks. The former they cut 
from among the leveled trees some distance from the hill, and loaded 
upon the wagons ready to drag it to camp, where it had to be cut 
in proper lengths for the fires. The water was brought from the 
spring below the orchard on the hill-side, up a slope of forty-five 
degrees, and a distance of fifty rods to the camp, in the black, 
greasy kettles, — holding from five to ten gallons, — used to boil 
pork, beef, soup, or coftee, and the least touch of which was 
ineffaceable pollution to light blue, or any other trowsers. To 
descend this hill was easy enough, as many knew to their cost ; for 
once started, one must needs go down, whether he could keep his 
feet under him or not. But to climb it, thus burdened, required 
strength and patience unlimited. 

Through the winter, and in fact whenever we were established 
in camp, the cooking was done by men detailed for that duty, and 
relieved generally about once a month. These were excused from 
other duty except the usual parades and muster. One of our first 
cares, in preparing for the winter, had been to build substantial log 
kitchens, which are probably standing to this day. These were 
roofed generally with boards, like those built for the officers, a few 
with canvas, and afibrded shelter for the cooks and storage for the 
rations. 

The severe drills which, up to the time when the weather made 
them impossible, had occupied most of our time when not on picket 
duty, had familiarized us with the most difficult movements in 
company, battalion and brigade, so that, at this time, our officers 
confined our drill mainly to skirmishing and the bayonet exercise ; 
and whenever the ground froze to the necessary hardness, the whole 
regiment, usually in command of Lieut.-Col. Root, would go out 
for a course of severe sprouts in these exercises. Target firmg, 
too, was practiced almost daily, and in their desire to outdo each 
other, the men rapidly became good marksmen, which they were 
not likely to do with the old smooth-bore pieces Our new arms 
f received January 23d), of the latest Springfield pattern, rifled and 
accurately sighted, were very much liked, and were really as good 
a rifled arm as the service, perhaps the world, could boast. 
Our usual range for practice was from one to .five hundred yards, 
using the regulation target. A circular from headquarters, desiring 
brigade commanders to "improve every opportunity to practice 
their men as skirmishers and to have target practice, with a view to 



144 CHRONICLES OF THE 

pick out the best shots for sharpshooters,'' and that " the names of 
one hundred and fifty of the best shots in each regiment "' be given 
in for that purpose, created no Httle excitement and emulation, all 
being anxious to be detached for that desirable service. That, 
however, was the only result, as the detail was never made, and 
when we finalh- took the field, the flank companies usually acted as 
skirmishers. 

On the eighth of January we received two months' pay, and, 
as usual, a large portion of it was instantly sent to the mothers, 
wives and little ones at home. To provide for safe and easy 
transfer of such amounts as the soldiers wished to send home, 
Government had appointed commissioners from each State to visit 
the camps of its regiments, and superintend the making out of 
allotment rolls, each man to specify the sum to be reser\'ed from 
his monthly pay, and for which he would, instead, receive a bit of 
script, negotiable at any bank, which might be sent by mail without 
risk, as only the person in whose favor the allotment had been made 
could get it cashed. The commissioners from New York visited 
our camp on the 24th of January, and explained the object and 
provisions of the law to the assembled regiment : after which the 
roll ot each company was called, and each man named the sum to 
be reserved. The aggregate, in our regiment, amounted to about 
four thousand dollars per month. 

Adams' Express Co. having generously offered to carry money 
packages for soldiers, free of cost, many preferred to send their 
own, not feeling certain that they should always be able to spare 
any given sum. The experience of succeeding months showed that 
these were right, for when rations were short, we were often glad to 
purchase ol the negroes along the line of march, and the 
indispensable tobacco alone often made a large breach in our sinking 
fund. 

The citizens, especially the ladies, of Buffalo, often made us to 
feel, during these winter months, that we were not forgotten. It 
would be impossible to enumerate all the acts of kindness and good 
will of which we were the grateful recipients. The same kind hands 
that provided us with havelocks for the scorching summer, now 
made us nice soft woolen socks, gloves, mittens with one finger, and 
gave good bedding and other necessaries for the hospital. The 
young ladies of the Central School, those charming little patriots 
whose willing fingers made the flag we swear bv, were especially 
deserving of credit: and manv a soldier, during those bitter nights 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. I45 

of picket duty, blessed them for arming: his hands and feet against 
the cold. 

Many ot our Butfalo friends visited our camp during- the 
winter, and many of the ofhcers. secure against moving for 
some time, sent for their wives. The ettect of the presence of 
these ladies was not more salutar\- than wonderful. Everv man. 
from highest to lowest, seemed to put on his best behavior; the 
uniforms were never so carefully brushed before, the camp was 
never so neat, and everv'thing that could by any means prove 
disagreeable to our guests was strictly tabooed. It was funny, and 
yet sad. to see the wistful looks cast on the spot from which they 
would witness parade, and the almost envy provoked in the hearts 
of those who were not the luck\' wearers of shoulder-straps, and 
who were thus led to remember their own wives and sweethearts. 

They finally went away, near the last of Februar}*, when we 
knew we should advance soon, and the camp relaxed into semi- 
barbarism. 

The 22d of February- was marked by an act of mercy. After 
the reading of Washington's Farewell Address, at parade, an order 
bv our Colonel was read, pardoning all prisoners contined in the 
STuard-house bv sentence of resiimental court martial, in honor of 
the dav. In the evening our camp was illuminated, as were many 
others in our ^-icinit\■. 

On the 24th came a hea\y storm of rain, and as it ceased, the 
wind rose to the dignitv' of a full-grown hurricane. Tents collapsed, 
or suddenly inflated, through some unguarded opening, sailed 
triumphantly away, leaving their unluckv* occupants out in the wet. 
The immense bam, back of the camp, occupied by our Quarter- 
master, suddenly heaved as though blown by powder, and then 
majestically sank to the ground, the crash hardly heard above die 
screaming of the wind. Luckily, aU the teams were away with the 
wagons after supplies, and the only living creature in the building 
at the time was a nne horse, belonging to Lieut.-Col. Root. We 
soon removed enough of the ruin to reach him. and the noble 
fellow, but little injured, lay quiedy on his side, with an immense 
beam across his flank, just pressing enough to hold him down flrmly. 
He watched us appealingly, and a great sigh of reUef burst from his 
deep lungs as we Anally lifted the last beam and helped him to his 
feet. 

Next day the ruins had to be cleared away, and having no lack 
of help, they were before night, even to the hea\-iest piece, carried 



146 CHRONICLES OF THE 

down the hill, and a few days' work made of them a good 
substantial stable. 

And now came the pleasing prospect of an advance. On the 
26th day of February we were ordered to " be in readiness to march 
at a moment's notice." " Two days' rations and forty rounds of 
cartridges," suggested something beyond picket duty, and 
preparations were hastily made to strike tents and away." On the 
same day the Colonel returned from a two days' visit to Philadelphia, 
and the officers immediately had everything packed. The wind had 
nearly dried the roads so that artillery and wagon trains could 
move with us. On the 28th we went on picket for the last time on 
the old line, and were relieved on the 2d day of March, returning 
to camp in more rain and fresh mud. That day James Mackay, of 
" D," bade us good bye. He had been promoted to a Lieutenancy 
in the Sixty-Second N. Y. V. 

Snow and rain succeeded, and next day the roads were about 
as bad as ever. 

About this time we first received the small shelter tent, since 
become so familiar. A piece of Irish linen, five feet square with 
buttons and holes on the edges, enabling any number of pieces to 
be fastened together, loops at the corners, and a small jointed stick, 
three feet in length, for each man. 

Twice (on the 6th and 8th) we marched some miles out the 
Leesburgh turnpike, with knapsacks, " in heavy order" and tents 
slung ; pitched the latter and crawled under them, at least once, 
just to see how it seemed ; tried all the various ways of combining 
them, and finally voted them a fine thing. 

Sunday, the 9th, we' were inspected by Col. Rogers, and 
declared to be in good order generally. The rest of the day was 
devoted to letter writing, although we knew that the Northern mail 
had been temporarily stopped as a precautionary measure, so that 
our letters might lie in Washington some time, and friends at home 
grow anxious. That night we turned in early for we knew that 
orders might come at any moment. At one o'clock a sergeant 
passed quietly from tent to tent, arousing us with directions to 
prepare for the march. Our orders had come, and we were to 
move at five. The cooks swung the kettles with our two days 
rations of pork, everything was got ready for instant departure, and 
then all laid down to get a little more sleep. 

At four all were astir, bonfires were lighted in the streets with 
the straw of our bunks and the remnant of firewood, and in their 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 147 



glare men hurried to and fro, securing the safety of whatever must 
be left behind, filling haversacks and canteens, and taking a last 
look at the old camp, which had been the scene of so many long-to- 
be-remembered experiences. 

At five the bugle sounded, and the cry of " Fall in!" echoed 
from street to street ; the men hurried into their places, the Ime 
was formed, and just as daylight began to streak the east, we 
joyously took up the march. The morning was damp, and the 
hill was enveloped in an ashy canopy^ of smoke, through which 
the smouldering fires showed dimly asVe turned away, wondering 
if we should ever see it again. On the march at last. On, perhaps, 
to Richmond ; at least, on ; and the foe in front, and every step 
bringing us nearer. All rallied with the thought, and soon rose 
the quaint, peculiar marching song of the Twenty-First, wherein 
those wild fellows were wont to declare to the hills and woods ot 
Virginia how " the fifes and drums should greet them, as they went 
rolling home ; " while none spoke of the louder greeting which must 
come ere then, perhaps many times, welcoming brave spirits to a 
longer rest. 

We passed to the left of Fort Buffalo, and by daylight had 
reached the old picket line. Soon after, set in a fine drizzly rain, 
which continued, with few mtervals, through the day. At Anandale 
we took the road toward Fairfax, our regiment leading the infantry 
column ; and in the distance, far as the eye could reach followed 
trains of artillery, and columns of foot and horse. 

We passed through Fairfax C. H. at noon, and halted for a 
short rest, and dinner, just beyond. The men were standing the 
march very well, although many found they had over estimated 
their pack-horse ability, and a few plethoric knapsacks disgorged a 
portion of their contents. A hearty dinner lightened the haversacks, 
too, and then we moved on. The road from Anandale to Fairfax 
we had found quite easy, long, regular slopes and smooth way ; 
but after leaving the latter place, it became quite hilly. 

Near four o'clock, and when within about two miles ot 
Centreville, we filed off" into a thick pine wood and pitched our 
tents. Building fires and opening our haversacks, we soon dried 
our wet clothes and satisfied hunger, and then crawled under our 
litde tents, or gathered in knots to discusss the news brought by 
returning couriers. The enemy had abandoned Manassas, and our 
cavalry had advanced to the neighborhood of Winchester without 
meeting any opposing force. The latter place was still occupied by 



148 CHRONICLES OF THE 

rebel troops, supposed to be militia left to cover the retreat. The 
evacuation had been sudden, although preparations had evidently 
been commenced some time before. It was supposed that our 
advance had not been expected so soon, for a large amount of stores, 
which they had not time to destroy, fell into our hands. People 
living in the vicinity stated that prior to the evacuation, there were 
100,000 rebel troops at Manassas and Centreville. Everything 
indicated a precipitate flight. All their log huts were standing, and 
an immense number of t^nts, together with a few caissons, were 
found, but no cannon. Two bridges, one on the Warrenton turnpike, 
the other across Cub Run, had been blown up. 

We abandoned all expectation of a battle on the old ground, 
so fatal to us in July of the year before, on which we had hoped to 
write another story in rebel blood, and the excitement of the day 
was dulled by the disappointment. We still expected to move on 
toward Richmond. 

Next morning reveille sounded at four, and we were ordered to 
pack knapsacks and strike tents, after which we made a hasty meal, 
expecting to march immediately. But the morning wore on, and 
no orders came, so the tents were pitched again. McClellan passed 
the camp near noon, toward Centreville, and all rushed to the road 
to cheer him as he passed. During the day, many of the men 
straggled from the various camps, returning near night to report to 
their less fortunate comrades the sights they had seen on the old 
Bull Run field, and loaded with excellent tobacco and many other 
trophies from the abandoned camps, among which monstrous bowie 
knives, some an arm's length, and weighing five or six pounds, and 
the most murderous-looking weapon we ever saw, were the most 
numerous. 

During the following night occurred an incident illustrating 
the unassuming kindness of our much loved Brigadier General. 
Our Colonel being senior Colonel of the brigade. General 
Wadsworth had taken up his quarters near him, inside the guard 
line of our own regiment. A wagon fly, stretched across a pole on 
crotches, was their tent, and in front of this, beside a huge fire 
which it was part his duty to replenish, was posted the customary 
sentinel. As all soldiers are aware, no sentinel is expected to salute 
when on his post, between retreat and reveille. But Johnny Burke, 
of " F," who had more than enough " diviltry " under his 
suspiciously solemn exterior, knowing his duty as well as the best, 
also knew the failings, " leaning to virtue's side," of the good 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 149 

General, and wickedly determined to practice on them. So he 
sturdily posted himself beside the fire, and whenever the latter 
showed his venerable head, which was necessarily quite often, up 
came John's musket to a most undeniable " present," which the 
General would acknowledge. 

This happened so often that at last the General, to avoid it, would 
manage to enter and leave his tent by the rear. Finally, when about 
to retire, he again chanced to show himself, and in spite of the 
absui-dity of saluting an officer in his night wrappings, up came 
John's musket again. This was too much, and he was hastily 
dismissed, with directions to tell the officer of the guard that no 
more men need be posted there. So Burke escaped duty for the 
remainder of the night, which was all he wanted, and he often 
afterward told gleefully how he " euchred " the General. 

Next morning, much to our disgust, we were ordered out for 
battalion drill at eight. The same was repeated at 2 P. M., and at 
four the brigade was marched to Centreville, where we had another 
drill within the rebel defenses, during which we formed line ot 
battle and charged the works from the rear, carrying everything 
before us, in demonstration of the way we thought we xuotdd have 
done, had we been a week sooner. After the drill we stacked arms, 
and scattered to see the sights, being cautioned not to get beyond 
hearing of the bugle. The quaker guns attracted us first. They 
were large logs of wood, the buts resting on the ground inside the 
works, and still retaining their bark, and the part projecting at the 
embrasures nicely smoothed and painted black. 

The works themselves have been often described. To us they 
seemed practicable enough, and if they had been attacked from the 
front our loss must have been terrible. They had evidendy been 
mounted with heavy field pieces, which could be removed much 
easier than guns on barbette carriages, and the Quakers could be 
removed at any time and replaced by these it necessary, although 
the few of those had been added to give a show of greater strength, 
which was really unnecessary. 

The works surrounded the height in a semicircle, with here 
and there an advanced star-shaped fordfication, detached from the 
rest, and within the first line of guns were rifle pits and trenches. 

We envied the rebs their comfortable winter quarters. Sub- 
stantial log houses, well roofed, each with two large rooms separated 
by a huge chimney with a fire place on each side, and filled with 



150 CHRONICLES OF THE 

tiers of cosy looking bunks, stood thickly over and below the hill and 
along the road to Manassas. These had been built by the slaves. 

We returned to camp at dark. 

Another drill in battalion in the morning, and company drill 
in the afternoon, were ordered on the succeeding day. Immediately 
on our return from the latter, we learned that Gen. Wadsworth had 
been made Military Governor of the District of Columbia, and was 
ordered to leave immediately for Washington. The whole brigade 
assembled informally and of their own accord to bid him adieu. 
As he mounted his horse and moved into the road the men 
surrounded him, and pressed upon him to reach his hand, while the 
tears rolled down his cheeks, and not his alone, for all had learned 
to love him. 

Gopd bye, boys ! Good bye ! was his farewell speech, and 
his husky and breaking voice made it eloquent. 

The band had assembled with the rest, and as he disappeared 
down the road, the sweet familiar strains of " Auld Lang Syne," 
mingled with our last cheer of farewell. 

Col. Rogers succeeded him in command of the brigade, 
temporarily, however, although at the time we all thought he 
would be commissioned. Such would have been the unanimous 
choice of the brigade had it been for them to say. 

At about this time, the place of Brigade Surgeon becoming 
vacant. Dr. Wilcox being senior, assumed the duties of the position. 
His time being now divided among so many, for he was most 
conscientious in the discharge of his trust, we saw much less of him 
than before, although his care for us did not abate. 

On the morning of the 15th we were stunned by receiving- 
orders to return to Alexandria. At half-pa.st ten we began the first 
of that series of counter-marches which afterward became so 
common with us as to excite no surprise whatever. On this occasion 
we were equally surprised and disappointed, although the rumor of 
transports ready at Alexandria to convey us to some point on the 
coast was at once an explanation and a solace. 

It was beginning to rain when we struck our tents, and ere the 
first mile was ended it came down in torrents. And so it continued 
through the day, beating in our faces, our clothes and blankets 
heaty with water, and our feet parboiling in our wet shoes, for 
between the hills the water ran deep across the road. At noon we 
halted for ten minutes, and rested against the fences, eating some of 
our soaked rations, and then on again. At three we reached a 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 151 

swollen Stream, which crossed the road diagonally in a torrent, 
covering the track for at least twenty rods. The bridge had been 
swept away, and in the pouring rain numerous regiments were trying 
at different places to effect a crossing. To fresh men this would have 
not been so difficult, but after our rapid march through the mud few 
felt strong enough to brace the force of the stream, which at the 
shallowest place on the road was breast deep. Many shouldered 
their accoutrements and dashed in, while others crossed slowly upon 
felled trees, and at last all were over. We reached the town soon 
after six o'clock, completely used up. We had passed many 
brigades within the last few miles, who had not marched as far as 
we, and were putting up their shelter tents in the best places they 
could find, for the night. 

The streets of the town were soon full of weary men, and little 
shelter could be found, many regiments lying along the: way side 
and resting in the rain. Our Colonel took possession of a theatre 
called the Metropolitan Varieties, where preparations were beginning 
for the night's entertainment. He declared in answer to the 
indignant protests of the occupants, that he should be sorry to 
disturb them, but that his men must have a shelter, and told the 
boys to take possession, which of course they did. 

Such a sight few temples of the histrionic muse have seen. 
Instead of the usual arrangement, the seats were like those of an 
ampitheatre, tier above tier, and these with the stage, furnished a 
motley spectacle. Knapsacks were explored for dry underclothing, 
and after wringing the water from our uniforms, they were slung 
upon the backs of the seats to dry ; and then, half famished as we 
were, the soaked contents of our haversacks furnished a hearty meal. 
It was late ere the house was quiet. The novelty of the situation 
was appreciated, and notwithstanding their fatigue the boys could 
not forego so excellent an opportunity for a little spouting, and the 
way Shakespeare was travestied to suit the -occasion and the 
audience, was not slow, as the frequent and hearty applause of the 
latter proved. 

Near 12, when heavy sl'.mber pressed upon the weary " Twenty- 
Onesters" to that degree that a chorus of sonorous complaints on 
every key rose from the seats, I chanced to lie with my face to the 
stage, which was still dimly lighted by a bit of candle. Just at that 
moment one of the sleepers moved an arm, touching a canteen upon 
the wall, and causing it to vibrate with a musical sound which 
seemed to indicate that its contents were of a more etherial nature 



152 CHRONICLES OF THE 

than the sober juices of the earth, ere they have ripened in the 
golden grain. As if summoned by the sound, rose from the folds 
of slumber and a blanket, a lank cadaverous figure which earlier in 
the evening had been seen shivering about the stage in a blanket, 
chattering " Poor Tom's a cold.'' He glared on the sleeping forms 
around, listened eagerly, and as his eye caught the still soniferous 
canteen, his ghostly face shortened in a most unearthly smile of 
satisfaction : 

" Is this a canteen, which I see betore me ? 
Thou marshalest me the way I want to go, 
And such an instrument I like to use. 
Come, let me clutch thee." 

Reaching it, he gave it a shake that made its contents chink again, 
and eying the unconscious victim whose — whiskey he was about 
to shed, again : 

" Hear it not Muggins, for it is the knell 
Of that thou lovest ' not wisely, but too well.' " 

and then his head fell back, his eyes closed as his mouth opened, 
and the rapid motion of his swallowing apparatus indicated the 
value of time in a contest of wind against tide. Finally after several 
frantic efforts, he succeeded in getting it away from his mouth just 
time to escape strangulation, heaved a deep sigh of satisfaction, 
replaced the cork and the canteen, and turned again to take up the 
broken thread of slumber ; — 

" I've done the deed — " 
sinking back into the blanket, and — 

" Didst thou not h-e-a-r a n-o-i-s-e ? " — 

.ended in a dreamy drawl, smothered in its sleepy folds, and a 
moment after, a wailing snore went up like the groan of an uneasy 
conscience. 

Next morning many were the stiffened joints refusing to be 
comforted, severe rheumatism racked the bones of others, and few 
voices were entirely clear. Many were left in hospital, few from our 
regiment, however ; and a few never recovered from the effects of 
that one day's exposure and over-exertion. Our own orderly, 
David Tuttle, could not speak that morning, and was soon afterward 
discharged, an invalid. 

Those of us who were in good bodily condition and had dry 
clothing in our knapsacks, had not suffered much. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



153 



Breakfast ot good soft bread from the Government bakeries, 
bacon which we cooked in the street, with our coffee, and then we 
were marched to the depot, as we were to return temporarily to our 
old camps, the town being full of troops and the transports not yet 
ready ; but after waiting two hours, many of the boys became 
impatient, and started for camp in squads. 

It was a relief to reach the hill again, after the trials of the 
preceding day ; and most of the men turned into their old bunks, 
glad to have one more good rest on the straw. 

The last stragglers arrived at night on the train with Augur's 
brigade. This was Sunday, and emphatically a day of rest. 

Next clay we cleaned our muskets and accoutrements, which 
had suffered in the storm, and necessarily been neglected since. 
Lieutenant Wheeler was detached to act as Assistant Adjutant- 
General on Colonel Rogers' staff. 

On Tuesday, March i8th, we received orders to march at four 
P. M., for Alexandria; or, at least, we supposed that to be our 
destination. 




154 CHRONICLES OF THE 



CHAPTER VII. 



Camp ^Misery, aiias Camp Disappointment. — Cold, Wet and Hungry. — McClellan embarks for the 
Peninsula, and we are left behind. — Arrival of General Patrick.— Snow and Rain. — Clears up. — 
"On to Richmond" again.— Three days' March. — Bristow. — JMore Snow and Rain. — " Eternal 
Vigilance" and no fires allowed on Post. — Foraging. — Bushwhackers around. — "Forward 
March ! " • . ' 



CAMP Misery was the very appropriate name given by the men 
to the spot where we lay in the mud for three weeks of such 
weather as Virginia only can boast at that season of the year, 
combining the growlings and rough usage of March with the not- 
at-all-scalding tears of April ; and no one doubted that both of these 
months were in their sulkiest mood at the time of which we write. 

After leaving Camp Niagara, really for the last time, on that 
1 8th day of March, we took the Leesburgh turnpike, and after 
we had marched about three miles toward Alexandria, and a 
mile beyond Bailey's we were filed off into the woods beside the 
road, and pitched our tents among the trees, apparently a third or 
fourth growth, as they were all saplings, and the ground had once 
been tilled. Here lay McDowell's corps d'armee, awaiting the grand 
movement upon Richmond ; and, thinking our stay must be short, 
we made our camping preparations accordingly, which means that 
we made no preparation at all. Our tents were pitched without 
regard to order, only keeping the companies together ; and, leveling 
a few trees, we built fires, for the evening began to cool. The night 
was damp and chilly, the next morning cool and cloudy. 

In the night following came a rain storm, putting out our fires 
and inundating many tents, the ground being low and affording no 
chance to drain. The storm continued during the succeeding day, 
rendering our position almost intolerable. 

On Friday, March 21st, we learned that General King had been 
promoted to the command of our division, and that M. R. Patrick, 
a veteran of the regular army, until lately Inspector General upon 
Gov. Morgan's staff, had been appointed to the command of our 
brigade. The Colonel was probably the only man in the brigade 
not disappointed at this, but all were prepared to welcome the new 
comer " as one having authority." 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 155 

Again it rained during two successive nights. 

On Sunday, March 23d, the troops at Alexandria had begun to 
embark, and it was rumored that zve were not to go. That evening 
at parade were read the proceedings of some twenty courts-martial, 
in each of which the sentence was death ; the whole ending with a 
pardon for all from the Commander-in-Chief. The offences varied 
from sleeping on post, to mutiny. 

On Tuesday, March 25th, the brigade was inspected in the 
morning, and after noon McDowell reviewed his corps. 

Gen. Patrick inspected his brigade for the first time on the 
Friday following. After " putting us through " for a while, to test 
our paces, he caused us to form by companies in column, and after 
a thorough inspection of arms, accoutrements and knapsacks, hegave 
us a talk. Among other keepsakes, he said he observed in nearly 
every knapsack a copy of the Bible. He saw in that a proof that 
we had Christian friends at home, whose prayers would follow us 
to the field. He hoped that we read the book and pondered its 
sacred teachings, and that we would bear ourselves as men having 
an interest in its promises I do not remember his exact words, 
but few who heard them will forget their effect. Unfortunately, 
although we then liked the good old man, we did not understand 
him, and the difference between his subsequent severe discipline, 
and the indulgent treatment of his predecessor, made us draw 
immense contrasts in favor of the latter. I am sorry to say that the 
majority of the men hated him heartily before we had been a month 
under his command ; and it was not until the sad days of the next 
autumn, that increasing respect grew into absolute love, and t/ie7i, 
we loved him indeed. With the stern nature of the Puritan, 
relieved by a shade of grim humor, he was possessed of the kindest 
nature; and brave himself, he lavished a peculiar love upon brave, 
dutiful followers, while to the coward and the slink, he was a scourge 
and a thorn. His was the heart that would weep for the falling, 
while his keen eye marked, and his ringing voice urged on the 
living. 

The words of that morning were his first to us, and never 
afterward did he neglect a proper opportunity to speak to his 
command upon such subjects. 

Next morning began a storm of mingled rain and snow, which 
froze a glassy surface upon everything exposed to its influence. A 
dog, unless endowed with immense fortitude, and almost human 
intelligence, must have died under the sufierings of that and the 



156 ■ CHRONICLES OF THE 

two following days. All our clothes were wet, and no fires could 
be built, or if with intense pains they were once lighted, they 
refused to blaze up warmly, and only stifled us with smoke, while 
our little tents afforded only the merest shelter from the driving 
storm, and when the men on guard duty were relieved and came to 
rest there in their ice coated garments, they could neither dry 
themselves nor have the food necessary to their comfort. 

Our old tents at Upton's Hill were still standing, and although 
they had been turned over to the Quartermaster's department, and 
we had no right to them, the officers connived at our bringing them 
for shelter. 

On Sunday, the 30th, might be seen, all day, squads of men 
going across the country to the hill, and returning with tents, stoves 
and boards, and next day the camp wore an air of comparative 
comfort. I have since heard that General Patrick, severe 
disciplinarian as he was, rode miles out of his way on that day that 
he might not see what strict duty would have compelled him to 
forbid. 

The last day of March, and the three following, were serenely 
beautiful ; the mud dried up, and life once more wore a pleasant 
garb. We passed the time in repairing the various ravages of the 
storm in our arrangements for comfort. McClellan, with his 
peninsular army had got under way, and we were cautioned to 
prepare ourselves for a movement. 

On the morning of April 4th the orders came, and gleefully 
did the boys strike their tents and make up their packs. The large 
tents were rolled up to send to Alexandria, and again the Irish 
linen was our only dependence. By two all were ready, and at four 
we gaily took the road, the band leading off" with a flourish, and the 
boys singing as they " rolled along." The afternoon was beautifully 
sunny, and the contrast between the present brightness and the past 
misery, put all in the best possible humor. 

Again the cry was " On to Richmond." Though McClellan, 
with the balance of the army of the Potomac was to make the direct 
attack, and McDowell's corps were used more as a safeguard to the 
capital, yet, in the event of success, we were expecting to join in the 
grand result. The enemy between us and the rebel capital might fall 
back to its support, in which case we should join with McClellan 
in time to " be in at the death." 



' TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. ' I57 

Taking the road to Manassas we marched that afternoon until 
about three miles beyond Anandale, where we halted for the night ; 
having accomplished a distance of seven miles. 

Rain set in during the night and our next morning's march was 
less agreeable. Again we passed through Fairfax, halting for 
dinner upon our former camping ground. 

We kept on through Centreville, passed the old house once 
Beauregard's headquarters, waded Bull Run at Blackburn's 
Ford, and near evening halted near the ground of the opening 
engagement on the iSth of July, 1861, having marched eighteen 
miles. We bivouacked in an old rebel camp. All along 
the road after leaving Centreville were indications of the hasty 
retreat of the enemy. Dead horses and mules and broken gun- 
carriages lay in ditches by the roadside, and abandoned wagons 
stood here and there. The remains of camps, and the numberless 
tracks cut by the forage trains, showed how large the force must 
have been. 

Next day, Sunday, April 6th, we broke camp and marched at 
nine. The morning was pleasant and we were allowed to take it 
easy, as we had not a long day's march before us. Near twelve we 
reached Manassas Junction, and after a short halt, during which we 
examined the fortifications and the piles of railroad property left 
behind, we kept on. This day we passed some of the muddiest 
stretches of road we had yet seen, and it was with the greatest 
difficulty that the wagon trains could be got over them. The day 
grew warm, and we made occasional halts, as the boys said, " to 
let the knapsacks rest." Soon after noon we forded Broad Run at 
Millford, and at about three halted in a wood near Bristow Station 
and pitched our tents. 

The fences disappeared along the skirt of the wood with 
marvellous rapidity, and nearly every tent was soon flanked by a 
pile of rails ; for the boys very reasonably preferred dry, seasoned 
wood to green fuel, which they would, besides, have to cut down 
for themselves — no easy work after a march, and with the limited 
number of dull axes we carried. 

A storm of snow and rain commenced next day, and continued 
until Friday, the nth, five days of unmitigated misery. It was 
terribly cold, and the sleet froze upon the tents and our clothing, to 
be thawed off" by the fires and add to our discomfort by keeping us 
constantly wet. The supply of rails within reach soon disappeared, 
and then our green wood fires wanted constant nursing, and when 



158 CHRONICLES OF THE 

by dint of that they grew to a goodly blaze, we crowded round as 
near as possible, — positions on the windward side, when that 
side happened to be decided, being at a premium,- — and turned 
like animated spits, each side alternately to be scorched and 
frozen. By constant trampling, the ground became of that 
consistency which makes appropriate the tallest kind of top-boots, 
and fortunate indeed were the owners of such articles. A large 
detail went on brigade guard each morning, and were not allowed 
to return to the shelter of their tents until relieved next day ; an old 
straw stack having to serve them as a guard house during their 
twenty-four hours of duty. No fires were allowed on post, probably 
to make the men more vigilant, on the same principle that prompts 
the starving of the hound, and the sentinels were charged to shoot 
any one attempting to run the line. 

In short, it was but a repetition 01 what we suffered at Camp 
Misery, and with the added disadvantage of deeper mud and more 
severe duty. 

The surrounding country was reported to be full of prowling 
partisans, or " bushwhackers," as these guerrilla parties were called, 
and on the morning of the loth, we heard that three men, stragglers 
from ajiother camp, had been found some miles away, tied to trees 
and with their throats cut. 

On the nth the storm ceased. The sky cleared up, an 
inspection was ordered at noon, and at five we had the first parade 
since the storm began. On the same day, Franklin's division, 
which had accompanied ours thus far, was ordered back, to report 
at Fortress Monroe, and finally to join McClellan on the Peninsula. 

The 13th of April was a day set apart by the Government in 
thanksgiving for the late victories, and properly observed throughout 
the armies of the Union. Services were held upon the parade 
'ground at noon, and after prayers by the Chaplain, General Patrick 
preached us one of his sermons. At just this time all will remember 
with what feeling we regarded the good old General, because we 
did not understand him and that his treatment was for our ultimate 
advantage, as we all know now. So the good things he said to us 
then, I am afraid, fell upon heedless ears. Among other things, he 
said: 

Be men. Learn to respect yourselves, and others will respect you. A good 
soldier ought to be a good moral man — and a bad man is not likely to make a good 
soldier. Rise above temptation to do wrong. Suffer yourselves to contract no 
habits while here which you will be ashamed to cany home with you, or which will 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. ' 159 

make the virtuous and good shun you, or be afraid of you, or despise you. I am an 
old soldier, and have been in the Me.xican war. And among the western regiments 
that shared in that war were many who, while there, became so demoralized, that on 
their return home, whole communities where they dwelt became deteriorated for 
years and years, through their defiling contact. Let us hope better things of you, so 
that when this war is over, and you go back to your friends, who will rejoice over 
your return and your honorable exploits, they will not have occasion to blush for 
your vices, and perhaps wish, in bitterness, that you had rather died than be morally 
blighted by ever entering on so ruinous a service. 

The weather now became dehghtful, the mud rapidly dried up, 
and we began to expect another march. 

On the 15th Augur's brigade, of our division, moved forward, 
and we also prepared to vacate " Camp Wadsworth," as we had 
christened our mud hole, just by way of giving it one redeeming 
feature. At noon of the next day we got our orders, and lost not a 
moment in obeying. The march was easy, the road not very bad, 
and we jogged along about as we pleased, as we had only to report 
at Catlett's that night, thus having six hours in which to march less 
than ten miles. At six we were again encamped in the woods 
about a mile west of Catlett's Station. Augur's brigade were here, 
and next day they moved on again, this time taking a new direction 
more to the east of our former course and toward Fredericksburg, 
while we remained. 

We all agreed that this part of Virginia was the finest we had 
yet seen. There were then no apparent marks of war's ravages. 
The gently undulating country alternated in tufted hills and wooded 
dales, and green fields with fences untouched ; and, adding its 
grandeur to the beauty of the scene, in the distance rose the cloud- 
like, mist-crowned Blue Ridge. 

Next morning, at six, we were again in motion. Orders had come 
during the night, and four companies, "A," '' F," " G," and "I," 
detailed the day before as a picket along Cedar run, some four miles 
from camp, had to be recalled, arriving just in time to fall into their 
places in column. Back through the woods to Catlett's and to the 
South-East, lay the course of our morning's march. At about ten we 
reached Elk run where we halted for a short rest, until a hasty 
bridge could be made for the wagons. Forty-eight hours had been 
given us in which to reach Falmouth, a distance of thirty-six miles ; 
and allowing for possible obstacles and necessary rest, it was none 
too much. The day was warm for a forced march, and heavy 
knaps icks speedily grew light. Many of the men had left their 



l6o CHRONICLES OF THE 

overcoats hanging upon the trees at the last night's camp, thinking 
the blankets heavy enough, and confiding in the promise of fine 
nights for some time to come at least, when the latter would be 
sufficient. 

An excellent description of that day's march, is the following- 
letter written a few days, after, by " Bould Soger," which we take 
the liberty of borrowing : 

Our march was through a country that war has not made desolate, and a beautiful 
country it was. Rolling land, fine farms, the fences all up, good looking farm houses, 
peach orchards in full bloom, and the whole surface of the country beautiful by the 
magnificent green of spring. As we marched on, groups of the loyal people of the 
South gathered at the road side to see us pass, and seemed greatly pleased at the 
sight. Many of them followed us for miles, walking through the fields by the road 
side, and feasting their eyes upon the splendid pageant. They seemed to have been 
expecting our advent, and welcomed us with extravagant manifestations of joy. One 
venerable old "Uncle" in a two wheeled vehicle, and driving a venerable old 
donkey, shouted as we passed, " We's mighty glad to see you gentlemen; been 
specting you long time; the more of you we sees, the gladder we is." Quite a 
number of the darkies cast in their lot with us, and found plenty of employment 
among the officers and men. I don't think any of us have many scruples about 
appropriating a few hundred dollars worth of the "peculiar" property to our own 
use. "John Brown's soul," if it be the spirit of disorganization to the " institution, " 
and " emancipation to its victims," " is marching on." One negro asked me what 

he had better do. I asked him who he belonged to. " Massa ." "Well, 

do what you like, and go where you please. You don't belong to Massa any 

more than Massa belongs to you." That may be strong talk, but it's the 

doctrine I mean to preach to every negro who has understanding enough to compre- 
hend what belonging to himself means. Let us sow the seeds " as we march along," 
and perhaps by and by, Amos Kendall's army of three hundred thousand loyal 
Southern men will be forthcoming. 

We halted for dinner in a pine wood, but as no good water could be found, the 
column moved on another mile or two, and halted near a spring of good cold water, 
and by the side of a clear little run. No person but one who has been a soldier, can 
fully understand the joy with which the order to rest for dinner is received. You set 
out at sunrise, and have marched perhaps six hours. During this time you have 
made, at the most, three rests, each of ten minutes duration. You are twelve or 
thirteen miles distance from the starting point. You have carried a load, weighing 
at the very lowest estimate twenty-five pounds. The day has been warm and the 
roads dusty. The sun is at the zenith, and its language plainly is, " halt, or I'll melt 
you." The men are beginning to straggle. Every few yards a man falls out, sits 
down by the road side, and looks at his officers as though to say, " If you can stand 
it, go ahead, but you need not order me to go on for I shan't do it. You can shoot 
me if you like, but I don't move another step. If the General thinks we can stand 
this as long as can his horse, why let him think so and go on, and fight the battles 
alone. I'm ' played out,' and am going to have my little rest." This is the plain 
language of the look I have seen a hundred times. Perhaps word is sent to the front 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. l6l 

that it is impossible to keep the men from faUing out, and straggling; but still the 
column presses on. You begin to think of falling out, but your ambition throws the 
thought aside, and you struggle on. You are growing desperate ; the knapsack straps 
cut your shoulders, and compress your chest ; great beads of sweat start from the 
pores and mingle most lovingly with the accumulating dust. 

Perhaps, too, you have commenced to chafe, and your feet to blister. You are 
thirsty, and your parched throat would even welcome the water from the ditch. 
Your head drops forward, and you stagger on, as I have seen the pedestrian in the 
ninety-ninth hour, heeding nothing; alike unconscious to the loveliness of the valley, 
or the wild beauty of the highlands. If any less fatigued than yourself would cheer 
you, you seem to hear them not, or respond with a look of despair. You plod on, 
—drag yourself along,— place one foot before the other as though the next step would 
be your last. At this moment, perhaps, the head of the column turns off from the 
dusty road into the green fields, and you know the "rest for dmner" is at hand. 
You will remember the dropping of your knapsack so long as you live. An oasis in 
the desert, a spring by the way.side, is the "rest for dinner" in the day's march. 
Have I overdrawn the picture ? Have I laid on the colors too heavily ? Is the 
" sunshine " too much obscured ? It is not. Yesterday I saw the look of despair, 
saw men fall out by the road side, and they could have hardly gone on had the 
penalty for falling out been death. I saw men drink the yellow water from the 
ditches, and I saw the knapsacks dropped as though they had been hot coals. 

It seems to have been generally understood yesterday morning, that we were 
about to enter upon an active and arduous campaign, and the men made preparations 
for it. During our year of camp life, we had accumulated many little traps, very 
" handy to have in the house," when the said house is stationary, but very unhandy 
and very heavy when one's domicile is transported on one's back. Books, brush 
brooms, checker-boards, surplus shirts and drawers, and "Yankee notions" of all 
descriptions were thrown out before we commenced the large march. Later in the 
day, as the sun grew warmer and the knapsacks heavier, rubber and wooled blankets, 
overcoats and even knapsacks went the way of the morning's trinkets. Had the huge 
Williamsville stage followed in our track, it could have been filled to repletion with 
the castaway clothing. The negroes availed themselves of the rare chance, and 
gathered up the clothing as fast as it was thrown away. In the pine wood where we 
first halted for dinner, I saw two of them hurrying hither and thither, gathering up 
the coats, pants, vests, blankets, and depositing them in one huge pile. No doubt, 
like my venerable friend in the cart, " the more they sees of us the gladder they is." 
.After a good hour's nooning, we again moved on, with renewed strength and 
vigor. We have passed over eighteen miles of the distance to Fredericksburg, and 
a halt is ordered. It is intended to pass the night here, but as water in sufficient 
quantity cannot be found, we are obliged to move on three or four miles. Thick, 
black clouds have commenced to gather, and already they hide the sun. Heaven's 
heavy artillery has opened fire, and the continuous peal makes the solid earth tremble. 
It is growing dark, the lightning dazzles and flashes, and the succeeding darkness is 
all the blacker. A vivid flash, a deafening crash, and a few big drops, like the 
"advanced guard " of an army, warn us of the torrents they precede. \Ve have two 
miles vet to'march before we halt. Be merciful, oh ye black clouds! keep the 
wash-tub right side up with care, until we reach our bivouac, build a few fires, and 



l62 CHRONICLES OF THE 

crawl into our slielter tents. Think if you were only a poor soger, and — St. Partick 
bring confusion upon you, and keep us dry. But the venerable saint did not keep 
us dry, and I presume he let alone the clouds. A thunder storm of an hour's 
duration ! every one knows what it is, and how wet a man may get if he be exposed 
to it. I stepped into a house near our bivouac and made a cup of coffee. The lady 
of the house said to me that she " was always happy to wait upon our soldiers."' " So 
you are a Union lady ?"' " (3 yes, strong. I came from the North-West. '' I asked in 
regai'd to her neighbors. She replied that they were mostly strong Union people. 
At this house, this morning, were captured thirteen of our men, belonging, I believe, 
to Augur's brigade. There are no large oi-ganized rebel forces in the country north 
of Fredericksburg, and near the Potomac, but from the capture of these men, I should 
judge the country was infested with small bands of rebels. General Patrick captured 
one of these gentry yesterday, and he was marched at the head of our column to 
Falmouth. I know not what disposition was made of him, but suppose he is safely 
in limbo. 

Last night was not the most comfortable our regiment has passed since we have 
been in the service. We halted for the night, and made ourselves as comfortable as 
our wet clothing and wet beds would permit. We took the rails from the fences, 
made our fires, laid rails alongside of them, ourselves upon the rails, and passed a 
restless, miserable night. Many of the men slept in the houses and barns in the 
vicinity, but the majority, if they slept at all, did so in the open air, upon the damp 
ground, and woke up this morning stiff and lame. 

Every man in the ranks on that day," now aHve to tell the tale, 
will remember vividly the scene of that night's bivouac. We had 
halted, as " Bould Soger " says, intending to rest for the night, some 
five miles back, near a pleasant farm house, on high ground, and 
while it was yet dry. Even then black masses of thunder cloud 
rolling up in the South-West, warned us that to move farther for want 
of water would ere long be superfluous. Many of the men had 
already pitched their shelter tents, declaring themselves " played 
out." and unable to march a step farther. But when General 
Patrick called the brigade to attention, and asked how many were 
willing to march five miles farther, the next regiment in line with a 
great yell declared that they would, and then, not to be " blufied," 
as they said, our own tired fellows got again upon their feet, and, 
determined to maintain their reputation as the hardest marching 
regiment in the corps, declared that they'd " make those fellows sick 
of their five miles before dark." In the blinding torrent of the next 
hour we passed them on the road, and had the satisfaction of 
camping at least a mile beyond them. Ere then, many had fallen 
exhausted by the road side, and now, in the darkness, and totally 
blind as to the nature of the ground, each company sought a resting 
place for itself; for to one place large enough to camp upon could 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 163 

be found above water, and in the darkness each company sought 
to draw in its scattered members by loudly calling out its letter. 
Soon all was still ; and when the lightning glared for a moment, if 
any one had been awake to see, the ground would have shown 
groups of sleeping men, in the attitudes in which they fell with their 
loosened burdens, oblivious of all, unmindful of the elemental clash, 
slumbering as only a tired soldier can slumber, while upon all the 
rain beat drearily. 

In the morning we awoke refreshed. It was as though we had, 
during the night, been transported miles into the heart of another 
country,* So different was the face of nature to our renovated 
senses, and so oblivious of all but our fatigue had we been the night 
before. The bugle soon got the stragglers together, and then the 
coffee cups were put upon the coals, and a hearty meal of soaked 
hard-tack, etc., prepared us for the day's march. 

I shall never forget one incident of this march. At Catlett's, on 
the second night of our bivouac, we were joined by a squad of 
recruits, the last we ever received. Major Drew, who had enlisted 
them, had them in charge. One, a slight handsome boy who could 
not have been more than fifteen years of age, attracted me especially. 
His history, or as much of it as I afterwards learned, was as follows : 
His parents lived in Canada, and being of an ardent impetuous 
temper, and fired with the desire to see and take part in the struggle 
" over the border," he had deserted his school and applied to Major 
Drew for the position of private in the Twenty- First N. Y. S. V. 
His sorrowing parents discovered his whereabouts while the Major 
was hesitating to accept one so young, but still the boy was 
determined to go, and finally it was arranged that he should 
accompany the Major as a sort of confidential servant, and thus be 
under his personal protection. I saw him often during that day's 
march, pale, apparently almost exhausted, yet with fire in his eye, 
and manful nerve in every effort. A pitying soldier relieved him 
of his pack, and when night came he shared the blanket of another 
and slept like a hero, and next day he again moved on, side by side 
with strong men, with a heart as strong as any. 



'1 have since learned that the name of the spot was White Ridge. 



164 CHRONICLES OF THE 



CHAPTER VIII. 



We reach Falmouth, April 19th. — Skirmish of the Ira Harris Cavalry. — .We camp " over against the 
city." — The situation. — Contrabands in Camp. — The Woman in Black. — A bit of Romance. — 
General Wadsworth's Visit. — Removal of our Camp.— A Terrestrial Paradise, — Another 
Removal, and a. Night Alarm. — Death of Garrett B. Lockwood. — We cross the River. — Hazel 
Dell and Horse Heaven. — In Line of Battle. — Picket Duty. — INIore Rain. 



THE brigade of Gen. Patrick, King's Division, of the First Army 
Corps, reached Falmouth, Virginia, on Saturday, the 19th 
day of April, 1862, having marched thirty-six miles in just thirty 
hours, and rested one night upon the road. 

On the morning of the 19th, as the last chapter relateth, we 
rose, like Antaeus, refreshed from the bosom of our mother Earth, 
and blithely took the road again. The sun blazed up into a clear 
sky, and made the muddy road to smoke with a fierceness not at all 
pleasant to lungs with an asthmatic tendency, — which might, 
without doubt, be laid to the dampness of the sheets of our last 
night's bed, — and the sacred soil seemed to have imbibed some of 
the virulent hatred of its children for the invader, and to do its best 
endeavor to restrain our desecrating feet. Still we managed to do 
the remaining fourteen miles of our journey (we had marched 
twenty-two the day before) in good time, arriving at Falmouth soon 
after noon. 

Augur's brigade were already there, having arrived the day 
before. Early in the morning of that day, while it was yet dark, the 
Ira Harris Cavalry, in advance, made a dash upon Falmouth to 
secure the bridge across the Rappahannock. About a mile from 
the bridge they were checked by a barricade of fence rails strongly 
built across the road, and from behind which and the woods around, 
poured a murderous fire. Obliged to fall back upon the advancing 
column, each man took a Berdan sharpshooter into the saddle 
behind him, and again approached the disputed spot. Dismounting, 
the sharpshooters, with their active co-operation a wild charge 
carried the point, and the enemy, a small force as rear guard only, 
fell rapidly back. The bridge had been prepared for destruction 
by a thick coat of tar and plenty of dry combustibles, and as the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 165 

last mounted rebel disappeared across it, the further end was already 
ablaze. Its smoking timbers were dropping piecemeal into the 
river as we came up. In front of the barricade lay some fifteen 
dead horses, seven or eight grouped immediately in front, piled up 
as they fell when checked by that unexpected fire. The killed and 
wounded had been removed, and a few fresh mounds by the road 
side showed where those slept who should never again rise to the 
call of earthly duty. Among these, the lamented Lieutenant Decker 
had many friends with us. He was the only officer killed on that 
morning. 

We marched along through the antiquated place, whose age 
could hardly give it an air of respectability, so apparent was the 
corresponding social ruin or stagnation of its fossil population. 
Slatternly women thrust their heads through broken windows, and 
stared unmindful of the rude greetings of some of the rougher of 
our crew. Some, indeed, were young and pretty, and withal seemed 
just as little embarrassed by the unsuppressed and blunt expressions 
of admiration. Few men were to be seen, and they had a villainous 
and ugly look, for which no one blamed or quarreled with them. 
They were welcome to look as vicious as they pleased, so long 
as they confined themselves to such pleasant and harmless 
demonstrations. 

We encamped about a mile beyond the place, and just opposite 
Fredericksburg, on a hill side ; the railroad running at its foot, and 
the since famous Lacy House between us and the river. At this 
house General King soon afterward established his headquarters. 
Hardly had we pitched our tents when it began to rain again, and for- 
seeing no certain cessation for some time to come, the boys made for 
a monster straw stack some distance across the fields, and soon over 
a trail of yellow connecting it with the camp, it rapidly walked 
away. Never did a straw stack do as much good as that one ; and 
when we had laid our cunning substructure of sticks through which 
the water- might run when the ditches could no longer confine it, 
and piled cedar boughs upon them", and the straw over all, and, 
rolled in our blankets, sank into its yielding embrace, oh, ye 
sybarites, leaves of mingled roses and poppies were nowhere : and 
every man took such draughts of delicious sleep as Morpheus, but 
for the bitter fruit of that forbidden tree in Eden, might never have 
mingled. 

The enemy had abandoned Fredericksburg, and, in tbrce, were 
supposed to be not nearer than twelve miles. Their cavalry 



l66 CHRONICLES OF THE 

outposts and scouting parties were still in the neighborhood of the 
city, making it dangerous to cross in small force. Just before our 
arrival, our batteries opened fire upon the hills back of the town, 
and drove the larger bodies rapidly away. The account given by 
the numerous contrabands seeking refuge in camp, of the panic 
occassioned by our sudden appearance, was most ludicrous. 
" Lawd ! didn't dem fellus go,'' said one, " when you all come up 
here on de hill, and dem shells went swish-swish right frough de 
place! Yah, yah, massa, tought de debbil comin — sure — massa ! 
Didn't stop for nufiin 'tall. Dey jes trow down de pack an run 
right smart. Yah, yah, tought de debbil was after 'em ! " 

In the river lay the blackened hulks of some thirty steamers 
and sloops, which, with their cargoes, principally of grain, had been 
burned that morning, to prevent their falling into our hands. Black 
clouds of smoke began to rise in the afternoon from the rear of the 
city, and we at first thought they had also fired that ; but it proved 
to be only the destruction of a large amount of cotton and stores 
which they had not time to remove. 

General King did not arrive for a few days, and the current 
report was that Augur, senior Brigadier-General of our division, 
had notified Slaughter, the mayor of the town, that unless the bridge 
was repaired and the Stars and Stripes were raised by the Tuesday 
following, he would shell the town ; and, on the other hand, the 
rebels had assured him that if he did, they would shell him out ; so 
that the dilemma, on either side, presented a very perceptible horn. 

On the day after our arrival, the negroes came flocking to the 
guard line, with baskets of eggs, hoe-cakes, and other luxuries, and 
proved themselves sharp bargainers, doing a lively business that 
threatened a speedy dearth of the raw material, especially as some 
of the stragglers had already taken to robbing hen-roosts, and 
running the grist-mills for themselves. Nearly every man in the 
brigade soon had a darkey waiter at his heels, and it was most 
amusing to see the "style thrown" in consequence. The only 
drawback was that Cuffee could not clean a gun properly, and the 
regulations did not provide for ebony substitutes on guard duty ; 
but Cuffee could ''throw a lively meal," or cook one, (to use the 
vulgar Anglo-Saxon), and after his employer, lazily reposing in his 
tent, had devoured it, would fill his pipe, and bring a coal in his 
grained leather hands to light it. He also ran various errands, 
filled the canteens at the spring, made foraging expeditions after 
the indispensable corn-meal for the inevitable hoe-cake, stole eggs 



TWENTY- FIRST REGIMENT. 1 67 

and milk, and committed various other troublesome sins for his 
master, not forgetting to do some of his swearing, in a quiet way. 
His expletives were usually confined to " Dawd on dat brack niggah, 
ye done stop dat foolin, or I buck all de wool off yer brack hed !" 
or, " By Gorry !" or "de Debbil !" whom he also sometimes invokes 
as " de Abbersary." Poor Cuffee has, nevertheless, as much 
reverence and simple natural religious feeling, as comes within the 
possibilities of his nature. The wild, fervid religious dances, with 
their accompanying chants, sometimes beginning with Genesis and 
giving a complete synopsis of the leading points of Bible history 
from Adam to Peter, and lasted for hours, while their muscle seemed 
inexhaustible and his nose warned the Caucasian to "stand off," 
were the most wierdly exciting, yet ludicrous performances 
imaginable; 

I think it was on the afternoon of our arrival, that near evening 
I saw our band going toward the river, headed by a horseman 
bearing our large storm flag. Curious to know the meaning of the 
sight I joined the group of followers, and presently we reached a 
point upon the high river bank, just in front of the Lacy House, 
(the same spot from which Burnside watched and directed the 
bloody battle of December, 1862), and here they planted the old 
Stars and Stripes. 

Inexpressibly sad was the scene before us. Beneath, on the 
farther shore, like a place of the dead, lay the beleaguered city. 
Silent and dim in the gathering shadows of evening, its spires 
reaching as in supplication to a sky in which seemed already 
gathered the ashen cloud of its dissolution; while like Jonah beneath 
his withering gourd, loyal justice sat over against it, and with 
warning voice proffered the olive branch. 

But listen ! a mournful prelude, and then the soul freeing notes 
of the Star Spangled Banner stream out across the waters, and 
wake the echoes in those gloaming streets as though the spirit of 
the glorious past caught up the sweet familiar sounds, and rang them 
among the spires and shouted them back from street to street, and 
dwelt with lingering fondness upon the closing strains, dying to the 
ear as they bore them away among the distant hills. 

Oh! long may that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

And then when all was hushed, and we waited as for a reply, it 
came : a mocking laugh from a source unseen as that of the echoes 
came up from the shadows. But on the sands, down by the river's 



l68 CHRONICLES OF THE 

brink, stood two figures, a woman holding a little boy by the hand, 
and both dressed in black. Her arm was raised towards us, and 
something white fluttered in the night wind above her head. They 
were the only human things we saw, and when we went away they 
were still there by the water's edge. 

Upon the very spot where we planted the rejected flag on that 
day, stood General Burnside eight months after, and gave the 
orders that concentred the fire of one hundred and seventy-nine 
cannon upon that doomed city. 

The rain continued until Saturday, April 26th, with a few 
intervals of short duration, but for the first three days it was almost 
continuous. On the morning of the 22d it cleared up long enough 
to enable us to clean our arms, and better the condition of our camp 
a little. On the 24th it changed to snow and rain, during which 
came the welcome mail, and the almost-as-welcome paymaster ; the 
pay-rolls were signed. That day we welcomed the advent of an old 
comrade, Arnold Harris, who was a private in " B " Company until 
he left the regiment at Runyon for a position in the navy. He was 
now master of the gunboat Island Belle, and had come up the river 
with a fleet of canal boats, to be used as pontoons in the construction 
of a strong temporary bridge at this point. His promotion had 
been rapid, and enjoying the confidence of his superiors, he already 
held a position of important responsibility. His after history was 
one of which his old regiment were justly proud. * 



* The following tribute to the valuable services of the young hero, appeared in the Buffalo 
Express, in January, 1863 : 

Adventures of a Bliffalonian in Dixie. — The history of the war can furnish nothing 
bolder or more remarkable in the way of adventure than belongs to the experience of a young man, 
Arnold Harris, from this city, who left here in May, 1861, as a private in the Twenty-First 
Regiment, and now wears the insignia of a Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy. Lieutenant Harris was 
engaged upon the lakes when the rebellion broke out. Arriving in Buffalo the day of the departure 
of the Twenty-First, he came up town to witness the scene, recognized some acquaintances in the 
ranks of the regiment, stepped to their side, and became their comrade in an instant, marching to 
the depot, accompanying them to Elmira and there enlisting. Not long after the arrival of the 
Twenty-First on the Potomac, he got transferred to the naval service, and was soon placed in 
command of the Island Belle, of the Potomac Flotilla. In this situation he performed important 
services for several months, and distinguished himself by his vigilance in maintaining the blockade 
of the river against smugglers from Maryland. One of his most daring exploits, in landing at 
Matthias Point, surprising the rebel pickets and destroying property of the enemy, we mentioned 
at the time. During this period, Lieutenant Harris made application for permission to undertake a 
spying trip into Virginia, to get information concerning the rebel batteries on the Potomac. The 
offer was declined, but its boldness was not forgotten at the Navy Department. A few months after 
the adventurous Lieutenant lost his little gunboat, in or about James River, we believe, and visited 
the Department to obtain another command. Recollecting his previous offer, the Secretary proposed 
to him a most hazardous mission to Richmond, having for its object the frustration of the projects 
of George N. Sanders, who had then just secured contracts from the rebel government, for a navy 
to be built in England. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 169 

On the 25th we received pay for the two months ending 
March ist. 

Next day it cleared up, and the day following (Sunday, April 
27th), was bright and , appropriately beautiful. The brigade 
assembled for services together, and again General Patrick's warning 
voice was raised in exhortation. He spoke simply and powerfully 
of the claims of morality and religion, and cited noble instances in 
proof of the fact that they were not incompatible with the qualities 
necessary to a good soldier ; among which instances he drew a 
picture of the Christian hero, Havelock, praying on the eve of battle. 
However they might regard the man, his words hushed and awed 
all who heard ; and that straight proud form, with inspired bearing, 
the bared head with its iron-gray locks tossing in the wind, the 
gleaming eye, burning with fervor, and the deep, impressive voice, 
with its slow and clear enunciation, might have belonged to John 
the Baptist in the wilderness, or to Peter the Hermit, or even to his 
inspired namesake, the patron saint of Erin. 

That afternoon, while all was quiet in camp, most ot the men 
being asleep, or writing, or otherwise employed in their tents, some 
one raised the cry, " Wadsworth's coming ! " and instantly the camp 
woke up much as they would have done had the approach of Little 
Mac himself been announced instead. " Where ? " said everybody at 
once, and the next minute, bare-headed, without jackets, or just as 
they happened to be at the moment, the whole brigade were running 



He accepted the perilous mission, and soon made his way to the Confederate capital. Without 
any disguise of name or person, he succeeded in acquiring the confidence of the rebel authorities, 
and established himself on intimate terms with several of the most important officials. His situation, 
however, was dangerous in the extreme, and nothing but consummate coolness and adroit conduct 
enabled him to escape. Once he was arrested, and confined in Castle Thunder for seventeen days. 
Two INIarylanders had recognized his name as that of the former commander of the Island Belle, 
and the hero of the exploit at Matthias Point. When brought to trial he coolly acknowlodged the 
correctness of the identification, and claimed to have done the Confederacy more service while 
holding a command in the Federal Navy than he could possibly have done by openly joining the 
cause at an earlier day. His audacity triumphed — all suspicion was overcome, and he not only 
obtained an acquittal, but continued to enjoy the confidence of the rebel authorities ; or, rather, of 
all but Benjamin, who was suspicious of him throughout. 

Shortly after his discharge from Castle Thunder, Sanders arrived from Europe, and the adroit 
agent soon found means to get himself engaged in the enterprises of that busy personage. Sanders 
having perfected his arrangements with Jeff. & Company, was to return to England with money 
and documents necessary to the carrying out of his Anglo-Rebel Navy schemes. His son, Reid 
Sanders, was to accompany him, and so, as he had contrived, was our friend Harris. The aim of 
the latter was to secure Sanders' mail. He succeeded in having it arranged that George, with his 
friends, should proceed by way of Matamoras to Halifax, while Reid Sanders and he, with the 
documents and dispatches to be taken, were to run the blockade at Charleston, and get to Halifax by 
way of Nassau. In accordance with this plan, Sanders junior and Harris proceeded to Charleston, 
and purchased a yacht, which, by way of speculation, they loaded with turpentine, and started gaily 



170 CHRONICLES OF THE 

down the hill Hke mad to meet him, and swarmed around him, eager 
to touch his hand. He leaned from his horse, shaking the hands of 
his boys, the tears streaming down his furrowed cheeks, and unable 
to speak an audible word. It was an affecting scene ; but it might 
have occurred to a sober looker-on that we were much like spoiled 
children, running to the arms of an atfectionate parent for sympathy 
in the trials of our first experience at school, denouncing the 
discipline that was making men of us, and regretting the gentle 
usage of a less severe taskmaster. 

In the midst of the cheering of the whole brigade, our band, 
who had not forgotten their instruments in the rush, struck up 
" Hail to the Chief," and when he finally turned to depart, they 
bade him good bye in a melodious recall of " the days of auld lang 
syne," which brought auld acquaintance to the mind;" and tears to 
the eyes of more than one. 

Soon after this. General McDowell, who had arrived during 
the day, was seen approaching with his staff Eager to honor him 
also, we gathered on the road and cheered as he came up : but his 
young and restive horse took fright, and it was not until a severe 
effort on the part of his rider curbed down his rampant tendencies, 
that he found time to touch his cap in return. 

On Monday, April 28th, we removed our camp half a mile 
farther down, and about a mile back from the river. This move 
was made to bring us nearer a good drill ground. In conjunction 
with that of General Banks, our line formed a complete defence for 
the capitol, extending from Fredericksburg to Gordonsville, a 
distance of nearly forty-five miles, and in which position we expected 



out, one pleasant evening in January last, to slip through the blockading fleet, and make for Nassau. 
Great interest was taken in the adventurous enterprise, and before leaving the daring voyagers were 
entertained at a dinner with Beauregard and the leading celebrities of the city. 

Meantime, Harris had succeeded in communicating with one of the vessels of the outside fleet 
and putting its commander upon the watch. The yacht as she ran out of the harbor was speedily 
detected, and subjected to a cannonade which frightened Sanders out of his wits, and made him 
eager to surrender. The mail bag, heavily weighted with iron, was thrown overboard ; but Harris 
had previously abstracted from it a portmanteau containing the important dispatches and documents, 
substituting in its stead his own, which happened, as a remarkable coincidence, of course, to be 
its exact counterpart. 

The capture of Reid Sanders with his dispatches, last winter, created no small sensation at the 
time, and will be well remembered. But how it came about has never, we believe, been told before. 
Our readers will agree with us, we think, that few personal undertakings of the war have been more 
audaciously conceived, or more cleverly executed. As Buffalonians, we relate the narrative of this 
most extraordinary adventure with no small pride. 

Lieutenant Harris was in town yesterday, making a flying visit to his friends. He left, we 
believe, last evening. He has another mission, of still greater importance, we suspect, upon his 
hands. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. lyi 

to await the result of the moves on McClellan's corner of the 
checker-board. Our new camp was in the woods, a clean nice place 
for a pic-nic of uncertain limit, and here we quickly surrounded 
ourselves with all necessary improvements and possible luxuries. 
The cedar boughs made deep soft beds, the tents were raised upon 
logs, rustic seats stood in cozy nooks among the trees, and 
everything was just as pleasant as blooming early summer, and 
balmy, delightful weather could make it. 

Just to our left, beside a field of wheat that would have 
gladdened the heart of a Genesee Valley farmer, was a splendid 
drill and parade ground of perhaps twenty acres. Beyond this a 
wood, through which, at the bottom of a most romantic glen, ran a 
spring-fed stream which supplied the camp with water. Along this 
ran the line of the brigade guard, and there, guard duty was for 
once pleasant, only that the birds, and the trees, and the enchanting 
nooks and corners, and delightful glades and dells, with their 
charming display of new luxuriant shrubbery, were apt to beguile 
the thoughts and eyes of the sentinel, and make him the unconscious 
and almost innocent accessory of much guard- running, by the 
irrepressible fellows whose love of nature's beauties would not 
admit of their being confined to the limits of the brigade. 

In front, about half a mile away, the high ground on which lay 
our brigade terminated in a bluff; here, too, the woods ended, and 
here was a splendid western view, from which the glories of sunset, 
and the city and the country round about, rich in the tints lavished 
from its abundance, feasted our eyes when the evening parade was 
over, and the mournful cry of the whip-poor-will, with the 
monotonous songs of the cicada and the katydid, made the woods 
vocal. 

In this delightful place we lay for ten days, during which the 
weather was pleasant, with now and then a slight fall of rain, just 
enough to freshen the air without occasioning any positive discomfort. 
While here, Lieutenants Morse and Calkins resigned their 
commissions. 

On Thursday, May 8th, our brigade again struck tents, and 
moved to the river bank, directly opposite the city, and a short 
distance below the Lacy House. Here our regiment with the 20th 
and 35th encamped, while the 23d crossed the river upon the bridge 
of canal boats. That night, soon after dark, we were turned out 
for an inspection of arms and a fresh supply of cartridges, as the 



172 CHRONICLES OF THE 

enemy were reported to be approaching in force ; but no further 
alarm disturbed our night's repose. 

Along the river, in front, and for a mile below, lay the charred 
hulks of the steamers, and other river craft, burned on the night of 
our arrival. The amount of property destroyed must have been 
very large, and much of it belonged to professedly loyal men. The 
canal boats, anchored side by side, with timbers laid across, and 
strongly planked, made a very substantial bridge, and our pontoon 
train having arrived, another soon connected the shores a mile 
above. No attempt had been made to rebuild the large bridge, 
just above the island, but a party of engineers with a strong working 
f )rce, had nearly completed a trellis upon the place of the railroad 
bridge, destroyed by the rebels. 

Garrett B. Lockwood, a private in Company " B," died on the 
night of the 9th, of typhoid fever. He was a good soldier, and his 
death cast a gloom over the whole camp. Funeral services were 
held in camp, and then the body, in charge of his brother, a member 
of Company " I," was sent to his home in Buffalo. 

This was the first death occurring in camp since leaving Upton 
"Hill. 

" Bould Soger " thus meditates upon the succeeding day, 
which we all marked as the first anniversary of our departure from 
Buffalo : 

May. The world's enough. Lovely always, like the heroine of every romance. 
May is the blushing girl of the twelve children of the year. Inspired must the artist 
be, who " adds another tint unto the rainbow." May ! and he who cannot image 
beauty from the simple word, can surely find no pleasure in human penciling of 
divine productions. So I say — May, — and that's the picture. It was a laright, sunny 
May day, and something moves the very heart of the city. Men pace along the 
walks, and their step and look seem to say — "We'll teach the rascals." They 
have the air of men who have submitted long to a wrong — have been browbeaten — 
and have at last' awoke to find their country's manhood lost, and their own, latent, 
— slumbering. Men in military dress are hurrying to the rendezvous. Boys have 
caught the spirit of the men. Fair women, too, on Main street — bouquets in the 
mass of humanity — add beauty to the scene; and beauty is an immense motive; 
it has overthrown empires and established them ; has beaten armies, and given them 
victory. A spoon in the glass eddies the water to the right, stems the current, and 
whirls it to the left. Beauty, in the goblet of the world's affairs, plays its part with 
the fickleness of a coquette. But it is not the cause of this gathering. Flags wave 
from the shipping and upon the house-tops. Drums roll, men fall quickly in and 
move through the streets. A pause upon the square, and fair hands place in strong 
arms the emblem of a nation's life. Down Main street, and men cheer and fair 
women wave a farewell. Each step is firm and proud, patriotism fills, enthusiasm 
thrills every heart ; and even as with pi-oud steps and high hopes we depart, our 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 173 

thoughts leap forward to that coming glorious day, when, our duty done, we shall 
march up Main street, and be welcomed back with the same spirit that cheered us 
when we went forth. And that was a lovely May day, and this is its mate. And 
what one of the many of us thought as we marched down Main street, that he 
might not be one of those who, two years hence, should march up the same broad 
avenue? Not one; and yet this bright May day a still hushed group gathers 
upon the parade. The muffled drum-roll — the slow, solemn, waihng dirge — the 
drooping colors — the reversed arms — and slowly, sadly, tearfully, another comrade 
is borne from our midst. This is to-day's May day. Down Main street, and proudly 
floated the flag o'er his head, — up Main street and the folds shroud the soldier's 
form. And how many more? He who falls, makes not alone the sacrifice. 
There are those at home, — and yet I wonder at the depth of the love those who have 
been stricken bear to the cause in which their loved ones have fallen. The Republic 
produces .Spartan mothers. .Several instances have come under my observation where 
mothers have lost sons, and only sons, and, almost broken-hearted, have yet wished 
they had others to fill their places. 

In one of my letters I spoke of a charge made by the Ira Harris Light Cavalry 
before Falmouth, the day prior to our arrival. Last summer, one of our officers in 
tlie Georgetown Hospital made the acquaintance of an officer in the cavalry 
mentioned, and, thrown thus together, the acquaintance soon ripened into intimacy. 
I mention no names, because I might by so doing wound a heart heavy enough 

ah-eady. Lieutenant was a most agreeable companion. He had traveled 

much, and possessesed a fund of story and of anecdote. Manly and generous, he 
made friends fast, and fast friends. At the battle of Falmouth he was killed. With 
uphfted sword, swiftly descending upon the head of a rebel foe, a ball pierced him, 
and all was over. The Captain of his company communicated the mournful 
intelligence to his widowed mother, and she, in responding to his letter, gave this 
reply : " Had I another son to fill his place, and assist in preserving our glorious 
Union, I would give him to you with a mother's blessing." Words that should live 
forever. Is there no patriotism in the land ! Did the women of the Revolution have 
more of it ? Think of this, ye mothers who have forgotten your duty to your counliy 
in the anxiety of a mother's love, and have pleaded with your sons that they would 
not go to the war. Let us thank Heaven that you are the exception. 

The last death before our advance on Centreville, was that ot 
James Wilson, of Company " K," who died of congestion of the 
lungs, March 4th, 1862. 

On the 13th of the same month, George A. Hamlin, of Company 
" E," died at Falls Church Hospital. 

Abner Chase, of" D," died of paralysis, occasioned by exposure 
at Camp Misery, at Alexandria, April 2d, 1862; and Franklin 
Steiver, of" E," died in hospital at the same place, April 17th. 

These four men were all known as good soldiers, and their 
record deserves to rank among the best, as they were of the first 
who met death upon the soil they went to save. 



174 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Lieut.-Colonel Root* left us on the evening of May 9th, to take 
command of his new regiment, the 94th N. Y. V., formerly Colonel 
Viele's. On the same day, Sergeant Harry Wells, of " C," received 
a Lieutenant's commission in the 78th N. Y. V. Harry being 
pre-eminently a good fellow and a dutiful soldier, we were all sorry 
to lose him. 

Next day, at evening, we quietly crossed the river, and 
encamped back of the town, just in rear of a high wooded ridge, the 
stream known as "Hazel Run" cutting our camp short off on the 
right, and on our left, the embankment of an unfinished railroad ; 
passing through the bluff in front, and joined by the telegraph road 
in our rear. " Hazel Dell " was, by nature, a beautiful spot, but, 
unfortunately for us, it had been used by the rebel cavalry through 
the preceding winter as a place of deposit for the carcasses of their 
defunct Rosinantes, and the atmosphere was rank in consequence. 
Next morning we labored to abate the nuisance, and succeeded in 
putting it at least out of sight. But the Dell had lost its good name, 
and was always afterward known to us as " Horse Heaven." 

I have another letter, written by " Bould Soger " to the Express 
on the 23rd of May, which cannot fail to interest the reader: 

We moved to the east bank of the Rappahannock, and in an open field we 
pitched our tents. The most beautiful camping ground we have had. We could 
look down upon the broad river, upon the city on its opposite shore, and, as far as 
the eye could reach, over the side hills all clothed with the fresh green of spring. 
This is a beautiful valley, this of the Rappahannock, and all that it requires are the 
strong arms and the pure morals of the East. A breaking-up of almost boundless 
estates into small farms would make this valley the garden of Virginia. 

I am not sure but this army of Yankees will be to Virginia what the system of 
the Gracchi would have been to Rome, had it been successfully carried out. We 
pitched our tents, tattoo beat, and we turned in ; Ijut only to be turned out for an 
inspection of arms. The enemy are in force a short distance from our lines on the 
opposite side of the river, and we must have an inspection; so we have it, turn in 
again, and sleep soundly until morning. We have a beautiful camping ground, and 
from that fact I infer we'll soon move. So we do. On the loth we again pack up, 
and under cover of the night our brigade moves over the river, and through the town, 
to a point where a proposed railroad forms a junction with the Telegraph road. One 
would hardly think two thousand men are marching through the city, so quietly 
they move — probably for a purpose — and General Patrick says he is thankful he has 
a brigade composed of men who know how to march. We have not left our camp 
before another brigade moves up, and the tents are pitched where ours stood. In the 
morning the scene remains unchanged, and we are snug out of sight, under the 



*The subsequent career of this gallant officer is fully set forth in the biographical department of 
this work, and will be found well worth reading. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 1 75 

railroad grade, with a ravine covered with wood upon' our right, and a river and 
mill-pond in the rear. We are hid from the sight of the rebels beyond our lines, and 
where our camp stood the day before there is still a camp, the same to all 
appearances. 

On Sunday, the i itli, the enemy appear in force on the Bowling Green road, and 
we stand to our arms a couple of hours. From the i ith until yesterday, drills, outpost 
and guard duty. Yesterday we moved our camp over the river in our rear, to the 
hill beyond, and are now encamped on a beautiful spot, near the plank road, and but 
a short distance from the city. In company with a boon comrade, I visited 
Fredericksburg, and passed a good portion of one day in looking about the place, and 
conversing with such of its inhabitants as seemed inclined to commune with one who 
is proud to number himself with that class of persons, who, in the polite converse of 

Southern rights, are known as " D d Yankees." I cannot give you the history 

of Fredericksburg, by whom and how it was settled, the statistics of its trade and 
commerce, the count of its negroes, or the number of whites ; neither would I, if I 
could. Enough, that the detested Yankees, at the present time, are masters of its 
fate, and control its destinies. 

Last June I visited Alexandria, and there were but one or two stores open on 
King street. Four months later, I again visited that city, and not a store was vacant. 
The Yankees were there, and where they go, follow trade, commerce, and prosperity. 
The same energetic people are fast making this city a thriving, bustling mart. Here 
is a steam engine upon the sidewalk, and half-a-dozen soldiers, at their old trade, 
with their leather aprons, and uprolled sleeves, are oiling, and rubbing, and in a few 
days that iron horse will be puffing forth the praises of Yankee enterprise. Enter 
Scott's machine shop, before which the engine stands; everything is in motion; 
click-click, says the machinery; hammers descend upon the iron, and rise and fall 
again. I think I am standing before the door of one of our workshops. The soldier 
machinists are at the drill they like. At the depot here is another crowd of the 
mud-sills, and pick and shovel are leveling off and filling up, and in a few days the 
track will be laid, and the engine at the shop will be upon it. Up the track to the 
river bank, and there is a Iressle railroad bridge nearly completed. It is si.xty feet 
above the water, and between five and six hundred feet in length. 

"When did you commence work, sir?" 

" A week ago Saturday, and this is Monday." 

" When will the cars run over?" 

" To-night, sir." 

" Indeed ! I am incredulous. There are yet immense timbers to be placed, plank 
to be arranged and nailed, and track to be laid." 

" How long did you say it would take you to build the bridge?" asked an old 
lady of one of the officers engaged upon the work. 

" About a week, mum." 

" About a week ! Why, it took a year to build that bridge." 

"Yes, mum, I know; but we are in a hurry; can't stop; must have the engine 
over in a week, mum." 

And off to his work steps the officer, leaving the old lady to wonder what manner 
of people this is that condense the work of a year into a week, and build railroad 
bridges across broad rivers for the conservatives of a century past to wonder at. The 



176 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Yankees are here — here with their broad chests, brawny arms, progressive ideas, the 
enemies of anarchy, the preservers of order. Ye petty princes of the South, owners 
of broad estates, masters of cringing serfs, your masters are here. Struggle as you 
may against the progressive spirit of the age, you are in the. swift current, as chips in 
the rapids of Niagara. To apply a passage of the Scriptures to Virginia, " By the 
sweat of your brow shall you earn your — hoe-cake." " Slavery," says your 
Vice-President Stephens, "is the corner-stone" of the Confederate fabric. That 
corner-stone is moving — moving from its place in the structure; and before many 
generations, at the most, have passed away, the keenest hunter of things ancient will 
find only its history. It matters not what becomes of you. You are in the way of the 
nation, and you must step out. You may be princes, lords, of the first families, 
knightly, chivalrous, and all that sort of nonsense ; but, 

" Princes and lords may flourish, or may fade, 
A breath can make them, as a breath hath made ; 
But a bold yeomanry, their country's pride, 
When once destroyed, can never be supplied." 

May 25th, 1862. 

Picket duty : tiresome it is, this keeping your harness on for twenty-four hours, 
watching and waiting for the relief. And yet there is something grand about it. 
Upon your vigilance depends perhaps the success of the cause. A surprise, and all 
might be lost. I say there is something grand in the feeling, that thousands of men 
are leaning upon you for protection, or rather for warning of coming danger. And 
there is, too, a very fever of excitement about it. Danger seen and understood, is 
stripped of half its terrors; unseen and uncertain, the imagination conjures up 
impossible horrors, makes bomb-shells of buck-shot, an hundred men from one, 
signals from the flash of the fire-fly, an army's advance from the movements of the 
noiselings of the night. But I have not now the space to fully describe the feelings 
of a man on picket. Some time when we are on that detail, and I am not on post, 
I'll write a letter on outpost duty. About five o'clock yesterday afternoon a great 
smoke was seen in the rebel lines, and this morning the birds have flown, so we 
tramp back to camp, find everybody excited, listen to all sorts of rumors, and after 
deliberating profoundly on what we have heard, come to the conclusion that we knew 
it all before, we " thought so," our generals "ought to have known," and ever since 

such and such a thing occurred we never had the least confidence in General . 

He is a regular officer, and has spent years in acquiring a knowledge of the art of 
war, and therefore knows nothing about it. I have heard this from volunteer officers, 
and it is simply asserting that a man who has run an engine all his life, cannot work 
it better than one who never saw the iron horse. On the other hand, when Gen. 
Seymour (then Captain) of Fort Sumter, said to me that he did not see a regular in 
Fort Runyan after Bull Run, I knew from actual conversation with panic stricken 
soldiers of the class named, that Capt. Seymour had on his West Point blinders. 

There is a rumor that twenty thousand rebels have got into our rear, that they 
are between this place and Catlett's Station, that Banks has been defeated, that this 
corps is to take the back track, that Gen. Shields, wlio arrived here a few days since, 
is moving towards Catlett's, that the rebel force in our front is on the way to 
Richmond, that our brigade is to move immediately, and in the midst of these rumors 
there comes a sound like the roar of a mortar. A magazine, left here by the rebels, 
has blown up — one man of the 23d New York is killed. I know not the cause of 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 177 

the explosion, but very naturally one attributes it to some devilish device of the rebels. 
There comes an order for three days' rations, and three days' rations it is. Here 
comes word that some other brigade has gone where we were to go, and we are much 
obliged to the other brigade ; for we did picket duty last night, and don't care very 
much about marching to-night. I liave just seen a gentleman who came from Acquia 
Creek, this afternoon, and he states that eleven regiments from this point had arrived 
there, and more waiting for transportation. The 94th, Col. Root, was one of the 
number. I know not whether they go up or down the river. Perhaps it will be 
demon.strated in a few days that if there was any interference in Gen. McClellan's 
plans, it was a most wise policv. Was there not good cause to fear a dash at 
Washington. The movements of the next few days may answer that question. It 
would indeed be strange, if while we are besieging Richmond, a reliel army should 
appear before the gates of our own Capital. But halt, 

BOULD SOGER. 



Now for our own res2ime of the details not mentioned in the 
foregoing. 

Gen. Patrick had been appointed mihtary governor of 
Fredericksburg. 

Sunday afternoon, May nth, our pickets were driven in, and 
the enemy reported to be close upon us. Our line of battle was 
quickly formed upon the railroad, to await the approach of the foe, 
whose muskets we could plainly hear at intervals in the distance. 
Companies " B " and " I " were detached as skirmishers, and deployed 
across the fields up the telegraph road, and the Ira Harris Cavalry 
hurried to the front. The Twentieth were in line, the Twenty-Third 
and Thirty- Fifth deployed upon the left, and thus we stood to our 
arms for about half an hour. A squadron of rebel cavalry had 
made their appear.ance in a wheat field, some distance away, but as 
our cavalry deployed and interposed their line, they were lost sight 
of altogether, and we saw no more of them until after we had 
returned to our tents and all was again quiet, when our cavalry 
came slowly back, and with them fourteen of the grey-backed heroes 
of the wheat field, m close custody. Not a man had been hurt. An 
orderly lost his horse close by General Patrick's side, by a ball from 
one of their sharpshooters. 

That night came cheering news from our comrades on the 
coast. Norfolk evacuated ; the Merrimac blown up. McClellan 
within twenty miles of Richmond ; and while we were discussing 
with hopeful faces, came a "still later" report. Richmond was 
taken, said rumor. Hurrah ! said we. So it was, but only on 
paper, as it had been many times before. 



lyS CHRONICLES OF THE 

On Wednesday, the 14th, it began to rain again. Part of the 
regiment went on picket next day. That night ten regiments of the 
enemy passed within a short distance of the Hne, and the boys stood 
to their arms, momentarily expecting an attack. Toward morning 
a party of the enemy opened fire, and we were not slow in returning 
the compliment; but as the rebels kept at a cautious distance, no 
one was hurt, at least on our side, until after we were relieved, when 
one of the 35th was shot, as we learned soon after. 

On the morning of the i6th the rain ceased, and we returned to 
camp. Again the weather became pleasant, and we enjoy it to the 
utmost. We had no drills next day, and we employed the time in 
upholstering our tents with the limbs and boughs of the cedars on 
the bluff. Sunday, May i8th, was delightfully sunny, and many 
took the opportunity for a stroll through the city and its 
surroundings. " Bould Soger " describes the place much better 
than I can ; so I only say that to the poor soldier, an exile from 
home and kindred, the feelings prompted by a passing look at those 
pleasant old houses, with their embowering tress, vines and 
shrubbery, and smooth green lawns where happy children 
gambolled in their spring of life, amid nature's budding, while their 
grave seniors looked on as though in the sight their own spring 
time found renewal, the faces of sweet girls, making him think, 
perhaps, of those left behind him, and the voices of song, and 
laughter, and happiness from draped, vine-covered windows, 
loop-holes of agonizing suggestion, made his heart ache with 
longing. 

" When remembrance wracks the mind, 
Pleasures but unveil despair." 

saith the immortal Burns. But there was one feature, either an 
alleviation or an added pang, as the soldier chose to see it, and that 
■ was the hatred which seemed a part of the religion of many of these 
people, toward whom we felt and demonstrated nothing but 
kindness. Even the little children were taught and encouraged to 
heap upon us indignities their elders dared not venture : the ladies 
(?) really would put themselves to great pains in showing their 
detestation of the " hirelings " in word and deed. A sweeping aside 
of skirts, or a detour into the middle of the street, with a flashing ot 
disdainful eyes, was the very least we could expect when meeting 
one of these, and a decent regard for the feelings of my lady readers 
forbids the recital of some of the demonstrations of these impassioned 
daughters of the South. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. I79 

Here is an experience more pleasant. On a fine evening you 
pause in hearing of a flood of melody from one of those open 
windows, the long unheard piano mingling its rippling tones with 
those of sweet, girlish voices, and taking you back, perhaps, to 
hours when you stood entranced beside a form you cannot forget, 
and watched those white fingers tripping over the keys, thereby 
forgetting to turn the music, until reminded by a look and smile, 
and perhaps you remember how after that you forgot quite often, 
just to be reminded in the same pleasant way, and you're not a 
soldier at all any more, and don't know how you are grasping the 
railing and looking with all your eyes right into that window, where 
you don't see anything at all, and don't expect to, till, all at once, 
you are called back to the present by a change in the performance. 
You have been seen, Mr. Hireling, or " Mudsill," or whatever your 
name may be and it is for yo2ir especial edification that " My 
Maryland " peals out with all the strength of rich voice and 
thundering accompaniment. 

" Flanked, by Jove ! " perhaps you exclaim, but the words 
aren't very bad, considering how they come, and the music makes 
you forget them, for the air is really grand, and stirs you with as 
much enthusiasm and ardor as it does the " fair singers," so you 
" face the music," and, as it is meant for you, hear it out, and 
perhaps go away singing it over to yourself Perhaps all are not 
aware that " our erring sisters " can only claim the words of the song 
so popular with them until after the battle of Antietam, but such is 
the case. " O, Tannenbaum ! " is a song familiar to many Germans, 
who recollect that their fathers sang it a century ago, and the words 
of " My Maryland," without the air, are anything but good. 
Instance the following : 

She's neither deaf, nor bhnd, nor dumb, 

.See how she spurns the Northern scum, 

My Maryland ! My Maryland ! 

Captain Noyes, one of Gen. Doubleday's staff, in his interesting 
work, entitled " The Bivouac and the Battle Field," a book, by the 
way, which reviews the campaign of our corps through the "battle 
autumn " of 1862 in a most truthful manner, gives his experience as 
follows : 

As we walked through the streets of Fredericksburg, it was evident that we were 
among foes. The negroes were full of welcome, greeting us with a smiling courtesy 
which needed no interpreter, hut the ladies turned away their faces as we passed, or 
manifested their hostility in ways even more demonstrative. 1 confess that this sort 



l8o CHRONICLES OF THE 

of treatment, while it did not hurt my feelings, always astonished me. Somehow I 
had never been able to get up a feeling of hatred against the Southerner, even after 
the attack on Sumter, — pitying him rather as the worst victim of an accursed system 
which surrounds his cradle, and in the companion of his childhood, whose divine 
origin and sanction are impressed upon him from the pulpit and taught him at the 
school, entering unquestioned into all the ramifications of his social life. His present 
suicidal madness had seemed to me only a part of the disease. It was not, then, with 
any desire for revenge, but solely to restrain him from blindly involving North and 
South in one common ruin we had come hither, and it was thus impossible for me to 
look upon these citizens of Fredericksburg as my enemies, but rather as my 
countrymen, to come back by-and-by, when their insanity was over, to the old 
fraternal relationship, perhaps forever disenthralled from that system which was the 
cause of their present madness. 

But our Southern friends did not seem to look at it exactly in this light, and so 
we had to make the best of it. If a flag floated over the sidewalk, the fair dame 
would sweep out into the middle of the muddy street. If a pleasant face at an open 
window attracted us as we walked by, what a slamming to of window blinds was 
there, my countrymen ! The men were, however, more prudent, and treated us 
usually with sufficient courtesy. 

In the afternoon, six companies of our regiment being- on picket 
duty, a flag of truce came in from the rebel Hnes, about one and a 
half miles away. The bearer, a Major of Infantry, was a noble 
looking fellow, evidently a pi^eux chevalier of the best blood. A 
splendid gray uniform, trimmed and frogged with gold, set off his 
handsome figure to advantage, and he managed his jet black stallion 
with a proud grace, not a whit diminished by the fact that his eyes 
were bandaged, and his sword-hand clasped in that of a foe, in the 
person of our Major, who rode by his side, conducting him to the 
headquarters of General McDowell. 

I could not but look with sad regret upon one who, with all his 
youthful fire and devotion misdirected, might soon add one more to 
the holocaust of noble victims offered up on the shrine of an unholy 
cause ; a young life quenced in unsanctified blood, to be mourned, 
not as a country's benefactor, but as one lost forever. 

On the next Tuesday the railroad bridge was finished, and the 
first train crossed it, and now we were certain of sure and speedy 
supplies, in case of an advance from this point. Next day Sergeant 
Orville S. Dewey, of "D," received a commission as Lieutenant in 
the 49th N. Y. S. v., then on the Peninsula, with McClellan, and 
departed with the best wishes of his comrades. 

On Thursday, May 22d, we removed our camp to the elevation 
on which stood the reservoir, about a mile to the right and rear of 
Hazel Dell, and within a short distance of the city, the plank road 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. l8l 

being just on our right. Down in rear of the camp was the stone 
wall so obstinately held by the enemy in the battle of the ensuing 
December, costing us hundreds of lives. A beautiful grove of 
poplars surrounded the reservoir, and the high, open spot upon 
which we pitched our tents ; two fine springs were near, and just in 
front was the residence of an old planter, with its surrounding gro\e 
of fine old trees, and here the guard stacked their arms, and lounged 
upon the grass when off post. 

We lay here one week, expecting and prepared for a forward 
movement at any hour. Shield's Division had arrived at Falmouth 
on the 2ist, and was expected to take our place. The enemy were 
every day growing more and more aggressive. The pickets were 
almost constantly skirmishing, and "bushwhacking" parties and 
scouting cavalry made frequent attacks upon the picket line, makir.g 
that duty anything but insipid. Our line in front at this time skirted 
the forest out to the left of the telegraph road, crossed it, and 
taking all possible advantage of the open ground in front, followed 
the woods down to the point where the railroad emerged from the 
bluft" in front of the Dell, then ran under the cliff by the alum spring, 
out past the mill, and again up through the woods to the plank 
road. Though disposed to the best possible advantage, the line 
offered many weak points, and in many places could be approached 
very nearly without an alarm, and this fact the partisan rangers, 
with their complete knowledge of the country with its many 
by-paths, did not fail to use in a most unsoldierly manner, 
murdering our men wherever they could surprise them. The 
contrabands came in night and day and sometimes caused no little 
alarm to exposed posts, by their cautious approaches under cover 
of darkness. I remember one night in particular, when a squad of 
them came suddenly upon one of Company " F's " posts, where 
stood Johnny Burke, with a couple of comrades sleeping at his feet. 
John challenged them, at the same time rousing his supporting 
force, and forming for action, but the bewildered darkeys, not 
knowing whether they had met a friend or a foe, hesitated until the 
fatal third challenge was given, and then, bang went three muskets, 
and an unknown number of very much demoralized darkeys went 
plunging through the bushes in every direction. One of them, in 
the darkness, ran headlong against a large tree, and was found next 
morning doubled up at its foot, not much hurt, but very bewildered, 
and with a head slightly peeled. The tree was not injured, and the 
darkey's head being bandaged up, he accompanied the boys to the 



l82 CHRONICLES OF THE 

reserves quite cheerfully, being thereafter still further gladdened by 
a cup of coffee, and a breakfast of bacon and hard tack, after which 
he went on his way rejoicing. 

Part of our regiment now went out daily on the plank road, 
relieving the posts from the left, and the old picket returning by the 
same way. The boys will all remember the spot where we filed off 
through an old gate into a lane, to approach the woods. That old 
gate saw many a lively time while pickets were going and coming. 
An old toll-gate stood within hailing distance down the road, and, 
with a couple of hay-stacks, afibrded shelter to the enemy's 
marksmen, while our own situation was more exposed. Here, every 
morning, while the posts were being relieved, the balls buzzed 
around in a lively way, the gray-backs usually stepping out boldly 
when relieved, and sending a parting volley, which was sometimes, 
out of pure courtesy, returned. When night came, we were always 
cautioned to shift the posts, to avoid surprise, and whether from 
"good luck" or cautious attention to duty, we did not lose a man 
during the occupation of this line. 




TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 183 



CHAPTER IX. 



Arrival of the President and Secretary of War. — A Review. — McClellan's Call for Aid. — " The 
Capitol must be Protected." — General McDowell's Instructions — On to Richmond. — 
Massaponax. — A Delay. — The Battle of Hanover Court House, to effect a junction between the 
two Armies, is Countered by Jackson, on our right. — A Counter-march, described by " Bould 
Soger." — The Second Day's March.— Making Coffee.— Elk Run.— Defeat of Banks. — From 
Catlett's to Markham Station, by Rail, and the return march. 



Doubleday's Brigade arrived at Falmouth on Thursday, May 
22d, from Washington, and with it came President Lincohi 
and the Secretary of War, the apparent object of the visit being a 
review of the forces on the Rappahannock. 

Gen. McClellan, mustering his forces upon the banks of the 
Chickahominy, was preparing for that desperate struggle which was 
to end so fatally for him and his brave but insufficient army, and 
meantime earnestly asking for more troops to sustain his forces, 
weakened as they were by casualties, sickness, garrisons and guards. 
But where were they to come from? The President firmly refuses 
to uncover the Capitol entirely ; and, on the other hand, Gen. 
McClellan assured him that one division added to his army for that 
effort " would do more to protect Washington than his (Gen. 
McDowell's) whole force could possibly do anywhere else in the 
field." 

To this, and McClellan's suggestion that a junction should be 
effected by water, the President responded in substance as follows : 
That after careful consideration, he was unwilling to leave the 
Capitol unprotected, and that allowing such a step to be a prudent 
one, it would require more time to effect a junction between the two 
armies by way of the Potomac and York rivers than by a land 
march. In order, therefore, to attack Richmond in strength, without 
delay, Gen. McDowell had been ordered to effect a junction in the 
latter way, but charged, at the same time, by no means to uncover 
Washington. 

The following is a copy of the instructions to General 
McDowell : 



184 CHRONICLES OF THE 

War Department, 
Washington, May 17th, 1862. 

General: — Upon being joined by Shields' Division, you will move upon 
Richmond by the general route of the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad, 
co-operating with the forces under Gen. McClellan, now threatening Richmond from 
the line of the Pamunkey and York rivers. 

While seeking to establish, as soon as possible, a communication between your 
left wing and the right wing of Gen. McClellan, you will hold yourself always in such 
a position as to cover the Capital of the nation against a sudden dash of any large 
body of the rebel forces. 

Gen. McClellan will be furnished with a copy of these instructions, and will be 
directed to hold himself in readiness to establish communication with your left wing, 
and to prevent the main body of the enemy's army from leaving Richmond, and 
throwing itself upon your column before a junction of the two armies is effected. 

A copy of his instructions in regard to the employment of your force is annexed. 

By order of the President. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, 

Secretary of War. ' 
Gen. McDowell, 

Cotnnianding Department of Rappahannock. 

Of course, except by rumor, we knew nothing of these 
instructions, but all understood that the time to move on Richmond 
had come. I have said that the President arrived on the 22d. 
Next day our brigade was drawn up in line and reviewed by him. 
I had never marked such a change in the aspect of any human face 
within so short a time as was apparent in that of the President since 
we passed him, by McClellan's side, on the occasion of the grand 
review at Bailey's Cross Roads, only a few months before. A 
nation's cares and burdens had deepened the furrowed cheeks and 
bent the broad shoulders, and a painful consciousness of immense 
responsibilities seemed to look out with every glance from his 
restless eyes. 

Three days more of picket duty, and then came our marching 
orders. It was on Sunday, May 25th, and we were to move at two 
in the afternoon. The enemy had fallen back in the night, and 
clouds of smoke were rolling up in the South from his deserted 
camps. On that beautiful Sunday morning, two columns moved 
out by different roads, the cavalry beating about in advance, and 
feeling for the enemy. 

This, it seems, was a reconnoissance, and the main force on the 
south bank did not move until next day. On that same morning a 
magazine left by the rebels, by some accident resulting from 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 185 

carelessness, blew up, killing- William March, of Company " A," 23d 
N. Y. v., who was guarding it at the time.* 

On Monday we broke camp, and taking the telegraph road, 
marched eight miles, crossing the Massaponax, and, in a rainstorm, 
camping upon a bare hill-top. All around were the still smoking 
camps of the enemy, and along the roads, in the fields, nailed to the 
trees and fences, were boards with various messages left by our 

gray-back friends, addressing us as " d d Yanks," and 

informing us that they had pressing business elsewhere, but would 
certainly return soon. One, in the form of a guide-board, with a 
hand boldly sketched in charcoal, and pointing South, was thus 
inscribed, — " 30 miles to Richmond ! Come and see us ! " 

We lay upon this spot until the 29th, wondering at the delay, 
and then came orders to counter-march to Fredericksbui'g, en route 
for Catlett's, en rozite for somewhere else, nobody knew precisely 
where, only that Jackson, or somebody else, had been so impudent 
as to defy all calculation, and was rapidly getting between us and 
Washington. I cannot say that we took this disappointment with 
perfect equanimity, and I fear that the Capital was consigned to an 
infernally high temperature and the care of" H. S. M.," oftener than 
strict duty required, on that morning. 

In the meantime McClellan had prepared for a junction with 
our left. On May 26th, learning that a large force of the enemy 
was near Hanover Court House, (just thirty miles from where we 
lay), and in' a position either to reinforce Jackson or prevent a 
junction with McDowell, and that the enemy had fallen back from 
Fredericksburg, and McDowell was eight miles South of the river, 
he considered it imperative to dislodge or defeat this force. This 
task was entrusted to Brigadier General Fitz John Porter, 
commanding Fifth Corps, with orders to move at daybreak on 
the 27th. 

Then followed the battle of Hanover Court House, resulting in 
a complete rout of the enemy, and our forces holding that place and 
Ashland until the evening of the 29th, when, says McClellan, "The 
objects of the expedition being accomplished, and it being certain 
that the First Corps would not join us at once. Gen. Porter withdrew 
his command to their camps, with the main army," and while this 



* It was currently reported at the time that some infernal contrivance by the rebels did the deed, 
but the facts brought out in the investigation of the affair, and which 1 have from good authority, leave 
no conclusion but the one I have given. 



l86 CHRONICLES OF THE 

was being done we were already crossing the Rappahannock. Now 
let " Bould Soger" speak again. 

Bivouac Seven Miles from Falmouth, 
May 29th, 1862. 

Express : — I say May 29th, but indeed I am uncertain whether it be tliat date 
or the 30th. I suppose that the most of those who may read this letter are sleeping 
while I write ; sleeping, and that, too, soundly, between nice clean white sheets, with 
plenty of bed-clothing on top, a multitude of softly-yielding feathers underneath, and 
under the head a pillow that would rival that of a babe's. Yes, and I suppose, too, 
tliat many of you, when you get up in the morning and come down stairs to breakfast, 
to your cup of nice liot coffee and thick cool cream, to your hot rolls, to your plate of 
ham and eggs, are remarking to the lady of the house, that you didn't think you 
slept so well as you might last night; that there was hardly a sufficient covering of 
bed-clothes, that you think the maid neglected to stir up the feathers, or that you was 
forced to the wall in consequence of there being a down-hill side to the bed. And 
then you don't see why there couldn't just as well be a little larger quantity and a 
little better quality of soap in the bathing room. You could find no clean towels this 
morning. This ham is too salty and the eggs are hardly done enough, and you prefer 
bread to hot rolls. Then, perhaps, you seat yourself in an easy chair, take up the 
morning papers, read over the tax bill under consideration in Congress, and come to 
the conclusion that you are one of the purest of patriots, and are, in one sense at 
least, bleeding more profusely in the cause of your country. And so you may be. 
Certain it is, you are if you bleed willingly. All of us cannot shoulder arms and 
serve in the field. All of us cannot pay the taxes and stay at home. If we furnish 
the bone and muscle, you must furnish the other sinews of war. If we do the one 
and you the other, I'll toss up a penny with you to see who is the best patriot. But 
I was speaking of that downy bed of yours, and the vision was forced upon me by 
reflecting upon our own situation. The day I mailed my last letter we moved si,x 
miles out on the telegraph road, and encamped near the place where a few days 
before was situate the camp of the rebels. The ne.xt morning. Companies " A" and 
"H" relieved two companies of the 20th N. Y., then on picket duty. The 
Companies of the 20th had been sent out the previous night, and were therefore 
forced to establish their picket line without the aid of daylight. The next morning 
they found themselves facing the camp of their friends, instead of the enemy's 
country, and instead of being a protection to us, they had only isolated themselves 
from our support. So easy is it for one to become bewildered and lost in the woods; 
and how is the bewilderment increased when darkness makes even the open field 
more of a labyrinth than are the woods in day time ! 

This morning we picked up our several establishments and moved towards 
Fredericksburg. It is generally understood that we are to move to Catlett's Station. 
Further than that, none of us who are not in high place, have anything definite. AVe 
reached the city, moved through it, crossing over the river, down the hill into 
Falmouth, up the hill out of it, and I write seven miles this side of the place named. 
We were detained in Falmouth by the baggage trains passing through the streets, and 
we improved the time by filling our canteens from a well in the garden of a house, 
opposite to which the head of the column had halted. It was a fine mansion, a 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 187 

beautiful garden, and they who lived there were evidently fine people, — polite and 
obliging. One of the ladies trembled for the life of some favorite plants, and with 
all the gallantry that my northern education would permit, I offered my service in an 
endeavor to keep the men from tramping upon them. Another member of the 
regiment coming in shortly after, lent his aid, and, between us, the plants are still a 
thing of beauty. Our efforts o'er, of course we paid our respects to the ladies, who 
stepped forward to thank us. Another of my comrades here joined us, and we three 
' conversed with the two ladies. The first of my companions did the most of the 
talking on our part, and where there is a lady in the case or in the conversation, I 
defer most humbly to him, and stand demurely by, content to be within the charmed 
circle of his conversation. Our talk, though, was cut short by a brief and summary 
sentiment and response. The elder lady was indeed a fine, noble-looking old 
Virginia mother, and she rather boasted of two sons in the 32d Virginia regiment, 
The younger was of .Scotch parentage. " My father was a Scotchman, and he always 
loved his native land the best. I was born in Virginia." That was very neatly said. 
The elder lady put in, " Yes ! and I was born in Virginia. I am a true Southerner, 
and I love 7ny country, — Virginia." 

'' Yes, ladies, and I love jny country, America.'''' And three bould sogers bowed 
low, turned upon their heels, and left the two ladies to their narrow love. " I do 
love (urnips,^' exclaimed an old lady whose husband " lay a-moundering in the 
ground." " Can't you find something more worthy of your love? " growled an old 
bach. But our march. When we set out this morning, we were forced to wait over 
an hour for a baggage train to pass, and several limes to-day have we suffered from 
similar causes. The day is very warm, the roads very dusty, and the most of the way 
we have marched by the side of the wagons seven miles this side of Falmouth, and 
we marched it without a halt. When the regiment arrived here in this field, it was 
after nine o'clock, and so exhausted were the men, that they literally dropped where 
they stood, and were sleeping in almost an instant. Hardly ten shelter tents were 
pitched. The men were very thirsty, but it was very dark, and they knew not where 
to find water. One can hardly walk about the field for fear of stepping upon some 
tired soldier. A few moments since, I walked out towards the road, and stepped 
square upon a soldier sleeping in the tall grass. He never spoke, never moved, so 
soundly did he sleep. And I am sitting upon four rails, with my checker-board 
writing-desk on my knee, telHng you all about it. And I am thinking of that nice 
feather bed of yours, the soft side of a rail for us. I think I'll have to be a little 
selfish, and claim that this requires the most patriotism. It may be hard to pay heavy 
taxes, but these rail-fence beds and out-door bedrooms are taxes on the years of a 
man's life. And so, good night to you; and when you come down to breakfast in 
the morning, to the ham and eggs, hot rolls, and hot coffee, think of those who lie 
on the rails, on the ground, and eat hard bread for breakfast. 

We had marched but fifteen miles that day, but we did not 
leave our advanced camp until afternoon. The day was hot, 
terrible hot for a march, and we were delayed some time in 
Fredericksburg. There was a contrast in the manner of our first 
entering that place and our leaving it. We entered with the 
evening shadows, noiselessly; we departed at mid-day, with a 



I88 CHRONICLES OF THE 

flourish of trumpets. When we entered, the streets had seemed 
deserted ; now they were hned with faces in which beamed gladness 
at our departure, and anything- but a God-speed. 

There was one exception. A lady in deep mourning stood at a 
street corner, weeping bitterly as she watched the passing columns. 

One man, of what regiment we did not learn, dropped down in 
the hot street and died. 

Next day, the wagons having come up, with our rations, the 
bugle sounded to strike tents at nine, and we marched on. That 
day's march was most severe. The bright, dazzling sky, arched 
above us like a great burning-glass, through which the sun's rays 
poured down in condensed fire upon our devoted heads. Painlully 
we toiled along, vainly essaying to ease the weight of knapsacks by 
slinging them upon our guns, fighting for water at the wayside 
springs, few and far between, and every few rods some exhausted 
fellow staggering to the roadside, " played out." We 'took the 
same road by which we had at first approached Falmouth, and the 
few inhabitants skirting it, aware of our approach, annoyed us as 
much as possible, chiefly by pitching bucket and windlass down the 
well, and thus cutting off" our supply of indispensable water. 

Soon after noon, heavy cloud banks rolled up from the 
South-West, and after a short interval of refreshing coolness and 
shadow, down came the torrent. The flood-gates were up, and the 
afternoon's march was but little pleasanter than the morning. We 
halted at four, in a pine wood, planting the brigade tri-color to 
collect the stragglers, and made a cup of coffee. 

Made a cup of coffee ! A very unimportant operation, perhaps 
you think, my citizen friend. Not so ! Next to that when he drops 
his heavy knapsack, the soldier's happiest moment is when he makes 
his coffee, and that experience he remembers with most pleasure, 
the first is only a relief, to be thought no more of when the fatigue 
is over, — the last is a pleasure of which the dwellers in walled cities 
have little notion. Your fragrant mocha, smoking in its Sevres cup 
of white and gold, with a lump of crystalized sweetness, and its rich 
amber toned down with just the right quantity of golden cream, may 
be an important item in your morning meal but you are never 
deprived, and, shared with your other luxuries, it loses its zest. 
Now observe that soldier. Did you ever see one of those men 
whose strong arms built our railroads and excavated our canals, and 
who now form so large an item in the armies of the nation, pausing 
in his work, beside his up-tilted barrow, and filling the little black 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



189 



"dudheen" which is so rarely from between his hps. See hun 
carefully place it between his teeth, draw forth his kmfe and his 
solid black " plug " of tobacco, hoW it daintily between the thumb 
and forefinger, and shave the litde slices into the upturned palm, 
grind them carefully between his horny hands, 1- honest face 
glowing with anticipation of their balmy ignition, and finally, the 
operation ended, right his barrow and trundle it away with new 
vLr> I have. And I have never been able to settle rightly m 
my mind upon which part afforded him most gratification, the 
anticipation or the smoke, remembering that in most of the labors 
we devote to a selfish end, we take more pleasure than in the end 
itself But while we are talking our soldier proceeds to business, 
for he has no time for abstraction. Like our Irishman, he is taking 
the sweetest and least substantial part of his evening meal, for you 
must know that in the army no meal is considered complete without 

Having, unbuckled his haversack, he takes from the strap, 
where it has hung all day, gathering dust and tinkling agamst 
canteen and bayonet sheath, his old, black tin cup, crusted wtth the 
Lke of many cantp fires, and fills it from h.s rep emshed cantee,. 
He has gathered a few dry sticks and lighted a htde fire, around 
which a squad of comrades gather, each addtng /,« l.tt e pde of ue^ 
and producing his cup. And now the ht.le flecks of ashes w,ch 
the flames have cast into it begin to move upon the water, and then 
hurry to and fro, and round and round, a ripple bubbles up around 
one edge, another bursts up in the centre, then one side heaves up 
and combs like a billow's crest, over upon the other; and now is he 
propitious moment for the mingling of the Arab.an berry w,th the 
wave, from which shall spring a Lethean draught wh.ch Jove 

""^''Hastily diving into the haversack, he fishes up a stocking - 
m,af^ Why, a stoctivg, tied up with a supernumerary - 
shoe-string,- a ckun stocking, of course,-" whafs m a nanje? 
and the woolen fabric better protects the aromattc gra.n from heat 
and damp, and from it withdraws a handful of the rtch brown 
contents, and pours them into the cup. The surface levdsagam 
but for a moment, then a few bubbles round the edge, the mass 
heaves and darkens, and, as the billow rises again, disappears, to be 
seen only in separate grains, as they whirl madly round this pigmy 
maelstrom. Now it rises in a frothy tide, and threatens to inundate 
The ministering fire, but the careful eye sees, and the quick hand 



igO CHRONICLES OF THE 

snatches it away, and it is safe. A little more boiling, to make it 
strong, tending the fire carefully, and it is done, only requiring a 
dash of sugar, which comes from another stocking, and it is ready. 
Black, but oh ! how fragrant ; its bitterness just qualified by the 
sugar, and dispelled with such certainty and speed, with a trifle of 
hard tack and bacon, that " goneness," or sensation of vacancy which 
made your belts seem so loose an hour ago. 

Then you light your pipe — the leaf tobacco we found in that 
last dry-house is very good — and " blow a cloud " after which you 
bathe your burning, aching feet, that you may be well in the 
morning, and then you " roll up." The coffee, and that last pipe, 
have done your business. Your quivering nerves, sore with the 
day's exertion, are quiet, and you sleep calmly and soundly, to rise 
refreshed at daybreak, with the first blast of the bugle. 

We halted for that night's bivouac near Elk Run, having 
marched twenty-two miles. 

Next morning we broke camp at seven, and marched to the 
Run, a distance of about three miles, where we halted while Augur's 
brigade passed us towards Catlett's, where they were to be shipped 
in advance, for Manassas Junction, and from thence to Front Royal. 
Here we received a mail, which had followed us in care of Jimmy 
McCabe, our post boy, and with it papers of a late date, from which 
we learned the particulars of the movements of Stonewall Jackson 
on our left, which we were now on our way to intercept. 

The enemy had made a desperate push upon Harper's Ferry, 
placing Gen. Banks in a critical position, and necessitating the 
immediate withdrawal of troops from the Rappahannock for his 
succor. 

At the time when the division of General Shields was taken 
from him to swell our advancing column in its demonstration on 
Richmond, General Banks was at Sharpsburg, with about six 
thousand men. On the 23d a rebel force of between seven and ten 
thousand men fell upon one regiment and two companies, guarding 
the bridge at Port Royal, destroying it entirely, crossed the 
Shenandoah, and on the 24th pushed on to get North of Banks, on 
the road to Winchester. The latter General reached the place first, 
and next day a battle ensued, in which Banks was overwhelmed and 
driven in full retreat towards Martinsburg. Stonewall Jackson, with 
ten thousand men, was near Front Royal, following up and 
supporting the pursuing force, and another force of ten thousand 
were taking the same direction from near Orleans. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 19I 

Still later, Banks was holding Jackson in check at Harper's 
Ferry, with the assistance of a force detached from our corps and 
sent by way of Washington, together with regiments and batteries 
from that place and Baltimore. Our own force, under McDowell, 
of twenty thousand men, moving upon Front Royal, and General 
Fremont with his entire force, from Franklin, on the march from 
Harrisonburg, were to get in the enemy's rear, and if possible cut 
off his retreat. 

Now that a fair prospect for some fighting lay before us, the 
excitement of anticipation rose to a pitch we had not felt since the 
memorable days of that July at Fort Runyon. Fighting was 
actually going on and we were wanted, and behind the swift engine 
would soon be rapidly approaching the scene of our first " trial by 
sword." 

A herd of cattle had been driven up during the morning and 
were being slaughtered, and three days' rations dealt out to the 
men, a third of it being put immediately into the kettles, and the 
rest dealt out raw. This meat, cooked before the animal warmth 
had left it, almost before the fibres had ceased to quiver, and 
without sufficient salt, would have been a disgusting meal at any 
other time, but hungry, as we were, we devoured it unhesitatingly, 
though many were made sick in consequence. 

At four that afternoon, in a rain storm, we marched on to 
Catlett's Station, two miles from the Run ; and after standing in the 
mud and rain for about an hour, the train was ready. We were 
packed into freight cars, each containing one company, and as there 
was hardly standing room in ours, and no amount of ingenuity and 
good humor could effect a comfortable arrangement, I with others 
climbed upon deck, and, being very tired, rolled myself in my 
rubber poncho, and tightly clasping the foot-plank, along the centre, 
slept soundly. The rain fell all night, and I awoke at daybreak in 
about four inches of water, collected in the hollow of the old, sunken 
deck, but refreshed and in better condition than those of my 
comrades inside, whose somewhat haggard faces told the story of a 
hard and sleepless night. We had halted at Manassas Junction, 
that is, four cars with Companies " B," " D," and " F," had been 
detached from our train, and the rest, with the field and staff officers 
and the remainder of the regiment, had gone on. 

We followed at eleven next morning, it being Sunday, and the 
first day of June. The sky had cleared up, and the sun came out 
pleasantly ; all crowded upon deck, the better to see the beautiful 



192 CHRONICLES OF THE 

country through which we were passing, and eagerly on the watch 
for anything denoting fun ahead. Through the wild Thoroughfare 
Gap, winding ahnost impossible curves, like a snake in a bramble, 
our train " dragged its slow length along," the scene alternating on 
either side in cultivated fields, rocky slopes, wooden ridges, a dark 
romantic glen with its old mill, mossy and dilapidated, and then a 
perpendicular cut, rocks and trees, more angles, and while you are 
calculating the necessary degree of speed required to hurl you from 
the deck — as the train whips round one of these corners — against 
the opposite wall, and the possibility of avoiding the car-wheels in 
your subsequent evolutions, flash ! you are out in the sunlight 
again. Then come beautiful country homes, with glimpses of 
fine-looking women; and there are pigs, and poultry, and other 
" game " of the like kind, perambulating in unconscious security, 
which is enough to make one's heart ache for their safety, if the 
train should stop ; but it don't stop, and, at five, we halt, and 
dismount at Piedmont, having passed the locality of last night's 
murderous accident, — which I leave " Bould Soger" to describe,— 
stopping here all night, and moving on next morning at eight, to 
Markham, where we joined the regiment. '' Bould Soger," with 
his company, was in the advance train, and thus describes the 
excursion : 

May 31st, we took the cars at Catlett's Station, ran down to Manassas Junction, 
lay there until morning, and started, as we supposed, for Strasburg. At about three 
P. M., June 1st, we arrived at Markham Station, got off the cars, and took dinner on 
the place of the rebel Colonel Ashby. The previous night, the train containing, I 
believe, the Brooklyn 14th, ran into the train of the Sharpshooters, killing one, and 
wounding forty of the latter. Riding on the rail through an enemy's country, and 
where the trains are not regulated by a time-table, is not a very safe or pleasant mode 
of traveling. The train of the Sharpshooters was at a standstill, with a signal 
lantern at the rear. The train of the 14th came speeding round the curve, a man 
took the lantern from its place to make the signal for the approaching train to stop. 
In doing this the light went out, and we pass a newly "iTiade grave by the roadside, 
and look in at the house where lay some forty of the wounded. Of course we visit 
the house of the famous Ashby, and down in the cellar, overhauling a heap of old 
papers, we find some interesting relics, and pocket them. We found an old and very 
neatly kept ledger belonging to the house of Ashby & Stribbling, of Alexandria, and 
bearing date 1821. There are accounts with the Washington family and John 
Marshall. I do not know as to the fact, but a correspondent of some, I believe. 
New York paper, states that the latter once lived at this place. Then this account 
must have been with the famous jurist, and it's mine, sure. John Marshall — Dr. 
" To two quarts whisky." " If the Court knows herself, and she thinks she do,'' then 
John Marshall and his " two quarts whisky," existed in those primitive times when 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. I93 

good things in moderation — even liquor — were universally used, approved of, 
insisted upon. 

After dinner we again got aboard of the cars, and started for Front Royal. " Down 
Brakes," toots the engine whistle, the train runs slower, a man jumps aboard the 
engine and jumps off, after saying to the engineer, " Go on without stopping for 
wood or water; they are fighting up above." All very well to say go on without 
wood or water, but this iron horse won't stir unless you give him plenty to eat and 
drink. The train stops, and the prospect of a fight makes plenty of wood heavers. 
The tender has its load of wood and water in a moment, and away we go. Manassas 
Gap! winding — winding around the mountains runs the track, and we are entering 
the Gap. Three hills of solid rock have been cut through ; there are short intervals 
between the hills, and the distance from the entrance to the end of the Gap is about 
half a mile. From the track to the top of the highest hill is perhaps fifty feet. 
Blue Ridge Ruts ! the hills and mountains, thickly wooded, are piled one above the 
other, and inspire an inexpressible feeling of grandeur — sublimity. But everything 
makes a different impression on different minds. While I am thinking how beautiful, 
grand, is this land of mountains, my chum. Bill Coldweather, who sits by my side on 
the tender's wood pile, is thinking of the utility of the design. " Bould," he 
exclaims, hunching me in the side with that sharp elbow of his, and thereby 
disturbing my meditations, "how very loosely this dirt was thrown in." Wretch! I 
could almost wish the fireman would mistake you for an uncut stick of wood, and 
chuck you into the furnace. But the fireman is a small man, and Bill has worked on 
a farm, and dug an oil well. "Ah, yes! Bill, how about that dry oil well ? How 
very loosely the oil in that country was thrown in." I guess by the red in Bill's 
face that I shall not again be disturbed by that sharp elbow. 

We are passing round a sharp curve, on an embankment fifty feet high, and the 
top as wide only as the track. There is a perceptible jar, something beside the 
shake of the usual motion of the cars. We think nothing of it, but our careful 
engineer whistles down brakes. The next day we learn that on that grade a rail was 
found loosened, having probably been tampered with. One mile from Front Royal 
and an engine ahead of us is off the track. It cannot be got on, and so General 
Augur ders us to remain here in the cars all night. And how came we subject to 
General Augur's orders ? Only two regiments of Patrick's brigade got aboard the 
cars at Catlett's. Ours was the first. In our regiment were nine companies. 
Company " C '■ was left on duty at Fredericksburg. Before we left Catlett's, a 
number of cars, containing four companies, were detached from the train, and only 
five went on to the Junction. Somewhere between Markham Station and where we 
are to pass the night, cars containing three more of our companies are detailed. 
General Patrick is not with us, and so the remaining two companies are under 
General Augur. The balance of the regiment is somewhere on the road, and 
probably but a short distance in the rear. One of General Augur's Aids steps into 
the car, and gives an order to our Colonel to be ready to move on at three o'clock 
the next morning, as orders had been received to proceed on to Strasburg by rail. So 
we pass the night very near the battle-ground of the 1st Maryland. 

In the morning at daylight we move on, Viut not more than a mile. The railroad 
bridge over the Shenandoah is partly destroyed, and the cars cannot pass over it. It 
is indeed strange. Ordered to go on by rail to Strasburg, where it is known that the 



194 CHRONICLES OF THE 

bridge over a wide river was partly destroyed several days before, and there is no 
knowledge or certainty of its having been repaired. 

There are strange stories told of how our engineer was ordered to run on at three 
A. M., and how he absolutely refused; how when he stopped the train before the 
bridge he trembled from head to foot at what is by many considered to have been a 
very narrow escape ; and much more, in a similar strain. This is certain — we passed 
the night less than a mile distant from that bridge. The bridge, and all the country 
round about was and had been for several days in our possession. There was no lack 
of facilities for communication with the troops then at the bridge. Any man could 
have walked there and back in half an hour, and ascertained the truth. We ran 
down expecting to cross and go on to Strasburg. 

If we had attempted to have crossed, hundreds of us would have been murdered. 
Just before we reach the bridge there is a very steep, down grade. This is certain. 
It was an escape ; how narrow I am not prepared to say ; but it was an escape, and 
somebody is to l^lame. This also is certain, and very certain. Just as fast as 
government shoes will allow, I want to get into some other portion of this State. 

June 2d. 
We returned by rail to Haymarket. I cannot speak of the return trip, for I was 
oblivious to everything except ague, fever and quinine ! King's Division is now 
here, — twelve miles from Manassas Junction, and we are to move early in the 
morning. 

Once more Jackson had slipped through our fingers and got 
clear away, and nothing to do now but take the back track again 
with the best possible grace. So with many groans and some 
swearing, the engine was reversed, and, at Thoroughfare Gap, some 
time in the afternoon, we were unshipped, with the 35th, to await 
the arrival of the train with the rest of the brigade. When it came, 
we found that we had been dumped in the wrong place, and, 
notwithstanding the fact that our shelter tents were pitched for the 
night, and many of us had our supper on the coals, we were ordered 
to fall in immediately, and march five miles farther, while our 
comrades on the train passed on. With much naughty talk, the 
packs were slung again, and, sore as we were with our two days' 
j'ourney in the packing-case-on-wheels, denominated cars, we started 
off down the railroad for Haymarket. 

Many fell out, too tired and hungry to go farther, and straggled 
to the farm houses for something to eat, as nearly all were still in 
money sufficient to afford the luxuries of hoe-cake and milk. The 
rest of us arrived at Haymarket weary and wet; for a thunderstorm 
raged during the last hour, and did not hold up until some time 
next morning. In the wet grass, cold and miserable, we lay that 
night. Next morning we received rations, and in the afternoon 
moved to a wood beyond the village, where we again pitched our 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 195 

tents, and lay in the rain for two nights and days. Our Irish Hnen, 
by long use, had become old and rotten, and was but a slight 
protection against the merciless beating of the rain. 

Thursday, at midnight, came orders to march on Warrenton at 
four next morning, June 6th, but as we were falling in, orders came 
for our regiment to remain as a guard to the supply depot at 
Gainesville. So we marched about a mile, and again pitched our 
tents, near the depot, while the balance of the brigade went on. 

At this place we lay until June 9th, when we again started for 
Fredericksburg. It rained during the greater part of the day, and 
at three we halted at Catlett's, having marched twelve miles over 
a rough and muddy road, and obliged to ford the numerous streams. 
We lay at Catlett's in the mud and rain, until the morning of the 
nth, when we again moved on, joining our brigade at Elk Run 
near noon. 

Here lay our division, and here we remained until the 13th, 
when we again broke camp, and marched about three miles in the 
rain, encamping again at Town Run. Next day we received the 
mail which had been withheld for nearly three weeks, in consequence 
of the uncertainty of our whereabouts. 

On the 2ist we marched about eight miles, and encamped on 
the north branch of Deep Run. Here, on the 23d, we received our 
pay for March and April. 

Next morning at six we were again on the march, and arrived 
at our camping place, opposite Fredericksburg, at half-past three 
o'clock in the afternoon, it being Tuesday, June 24th, and a rainy 
day. The last of our " easy stages," a good fifteen miles, had been 
accompanied by a soaking shower, which continued through the 
night. 




196 CHRONICLES OF THE 



CHAPTER X 



Camp " Rufus King." — Jackson's Escape. — McClellan's Change of Base. — Pope assumes Command. 
— Julj' 4th, 1862. — " Sargeant Delaney, do you mane that? " — Our last Church Service at " Rufus 
King." — We Cross the River for the third time." — A Successful Raid. — Company "C" has a 
Fight. — Preparations for an Advance. — Recapitulation. 



ON FRIDAY, June 27th, we removed our camp to a spot about 
two miles back from the river, where about ninety acres of 
fine meadow, gently rolling to the South from the forest in our rear, 
afforded us a splendid drill ground. General Patrick established 
his headquarters near the front of this ground, where the various 
regiments of his brigade, encamped side by side along its rear, 
might be constantly under his eye. 

On this beautiful spot, which we named Camp Rufus King, we 
lay until July 2Sth, just one month, the weather terribly warm for 
most of the time, and our duty very severe. Brigade drill in the 
morning from five to seven, then breakfast, guard-mounting, 
company drill, usually in skirmishing, and a batallion drill and 
parade in the afternoon, was the regular order of the week. On 
Sunday we had the usual inspection, and after parade, church 
service, in which General Patrick, as usual, took a leading part. 

The audacious and successful Jackson having safely 
accomplished his diversion on our right, drawn the greater part of 
the Army of the Rappahannock away from its field of co-operation 
with that of the Potomac, thus leaving brave Little Mac to flounder 
alone in the boggy borders of the Chickahominy, and to relinquish 
step by step the ground so painfully gained, was now marching 
again across our front, but so far away that we could not knov/ his 
exact whereabouts, or where to expect his next blow. Pending 
such knowledge, we held almost the previous line of defence, our 
forces so disposed as to equally give all its points a chance of 
speedy help in case of an attack. In the meantime McClellan, 
having driven the enemy at Hanover Court House and at Fair Oaks, 
was unable, from the state of the roads consequent upon severe rain, 
to follow up the advantage thus gained. The Chickahominy flowing 



TWENTY-r<"IRST REGIMENT. I97 

between his right and left wings, and swollen by the rains, carried 
away in succession all his bridges, and threatened to destroy entirely 
all communication, and thus expose him to the risk of a defeat in 
detail, while unable to support an attack on either flank. For this 
reason it was determined, on the 26th of June, to make a change 
of base to the left bank, and use the James River route as a line of 
attack and supply. The inability of McDowell to co-operate, 
confined as he was to the defence of Washington, and unable to do 
more than hold Jackson in check, exposed McClellan's right, and 
the long line of supply from the White House to the Chickahominy, 
to the enemy, and forced the immediate change of base across the 
Peninsula. At this time Jackson made his appearance, and then 
followed the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mills, Allan Farm, 
Savage Station, Glendale, and Malvern Hill, McClellan slowly and 
stubbornly falling back to Harrison's Landing, his fast diminishing 
forces fighting their fate with a heroism worthy of a better, against 
fearful odds, while we, unconscious of their need, waited by the 
Rappahannock for the long wished for word that should send us to 
their assistance. 

It is not our aim to write a history of the war, but in considering 
the part our little regiment took in the achievements of the day, it 
is not amiss to speculate upon the possible results which might have 
followed a different management. The impartial future must decide, 
if blame rests upon any one for the terrible disasters of those days, 
never to be forgotten by those who saw and felt them, or how they 
might have been, instead, the portion of our foes. 

On the 26th day of June, Major General John Pope, by special 
order of the President, assumed command of the Army of Virginia, 
that army, according to his report, being constituted as follows : 
First Corps, under Major General Fremont; second, under Major 
General Banks ; third, under Major General McDowell. In addition 
to these three corps, a small and unorganized force, under Brigadier 
General Sturgis, was posted in the neighborhood of Alexandria, and 
was then in process of organization for field service. The forces in 
the entrenchments around Washington were also placed under his 
command. All the disposable movable force consisted of the three 
corps fixst named. Their effective strength of infantry and artillery, 
as reported to him, was as follows : Fremont's corps, eleven 
thousand five hundred strong ; Banks' corps, reported at iourteen 
thousand five hundred, but, in reality, only about eight thousand ; 



198 CHRONICLES OF THE 

McDowell's corps, eighteen thousand five hundred, making a total 
of thirty-eight thousand men. 

The cavalry numbered about five thousand men for duty, but 
most of it was badly mounted and armed, and in poor condition for 
service. These forces were scattered over a wide district, not 
within supporting distance of each other, and many of the brigades 
and divisions badly organized and ineffective. According to Pope's 
report, from which I take this estimate, thus {■ax verbatim, — this was 
particularly the case with the corps of Major General Fremont, a 
sad report of which was made by General Sigel when he relieved 
General Fremont in its command. 

Gen. Pope's first labors were directed toward the re-organization 
of some of the brigades and regiments of that corps, and supplying 
the whole of the force with requisites for effective service in the field. 

Banks and Fremont lay in the valley of the Shenandoah, 
between Winchester and Middletown, the bulk of their forces being 
in the vicinity of the latter place; one division (Rickett's) ot 
McDowell's corps lay at Manassas Junction, with its advance thrown 
forward to Catlett's Station ; the other ( King's) was posted 
opposite Fredericksburg. 

McCall's division, of our corps, sent to aid McClellan, had 
embarked on the tenth of June, and within three days joined him on 
the Chickahominy, taking an active part in all that followed. 

The wish of the Government, that he should " cover the city of 
Washington from any attack from the direction of Richmond, make 
such dispositions as were necessary to assure the safety of the valley 
of the Shenandoah, and at the same time so operate upon the 
enemy's line of communication in the direction of Gordonsville and 
Charlottesville as to draw off, if possible, a considerable force of the 
enemy from Richmond, and thus relieve the operations against that 
city, of the Army of the Potomac," Gen. Pope immediately prepared 
to carry into effect. 

Gen McDowell was now in command at Fredericksburg, and 
one regiment, the 76th New York, had been sent over to guard and 
patrol the city. Thus we were relieved from picket duty for a time. 
Gen. Patrick was determined to employ this interval to the best 
advantage, and, regardless of the intense heat, we were drilled 
almost to the limit of endurance. No one of us doubts, now, that 
the discipline of Camp Rufus King was just what we needed, and 
of unestimable value in fitting us to endure the fatigue and meet the 
emergencies of the coming time of trial, the bloody autumn of 1S62 ; 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 199 

neither can any of us forget the blinding- heat of those July clays, 
when the very turf seemed to smoke and crisp beneath our feet, and 
we toiled through complicated evolutions in brigade and batallion, 
while the sun wheeled his batteries into position and poured down 
upon our devoted heads a merciless fire at his shortest range, and 
no cloud squadrons interposed their flying masses to relieve us. 

But when cool evening came, with its quiet lull, after parade, 
when our day's work was done, and the dew fell upon the parched 
o-round, the delights of the hour made amends for the fatigues ot 

the day. 

Friday, the 4th of July, was hailed by us with a new ardor, a 
new reverence, born of fiery trial and threatened wreck to all those 
dearly bought and cherished associations whose birth-hour returned 
with the day, and with a chastened dependence upon the promises 
of Him whose justice will not see the righteous forsaken. There 
was joy, too, rn this return of the time-honored day and its 
recollections of former jubilees, and the thought of our dear ones 
at home renewing them, and glorying in the successes of the 
descendants of those sires who fix the day in its immortal place upon 
the nation's history. Little we thought that even then fate was 
preparing for us a bitter blow, and in our gladness we already 
seemed to hold the certainty of triumph within our reach, and 
looked upon the hours that stood between as already numbered. I 
remember that the burden of the speeches to which we listened on 
that day was the almost certainty that our victorious van had 
already entered the rebel capital, and upon that we built the chiefest 
glory of our rejoicings. 

A stand for the speakers, beautifully decorated and canopied 
with boughs of the " evergreen pine"— the tree of the North, and 
chosen by our hardy ancestors as the fittest symbol for freedom's 
standard — had risen at sunrise upon a gende eminence to the left 
of our drill ground. At nine the four regiments of the brigade drew 
up around it, each in hollow square, presenting its front to the 
stand, which had been draped with the storm flags of the brigade.. 
Prayer was offered by the Chaplain of the 20th, and the Declaration 
of Independence was read by our own, and then followed the 
speeches. Our General, the Colonels of the brigade, others of the 
officers, and a few of our visitors took part. The speeches were 
brief, but excellent, and with a point. Capt. Hayward made his in 
the following bit of experience, which he related in a manner 
impossible to render by any orthographical eftbrt however cunning. 



200 CHRONICLES OF THE 

He had been, he said, one of a court-martial on duty at 
headquarters, lately, for the trial of various offenders against 
military laws. Among these was an Irishman, a private in a 
neighboring regiment, charged with having lain violent hands upon 
his Sergeant, and resisting him in the exercise of his duty. The 
Sergeant himself appeared in court with his face fancifully 
variegated and patched, one eye in mourning, and other evidences 
of the hardness of Pat's knuckles. Being allowed to tell his story, 
Pat related how, having been on guard the day before, he was 
taking the rest allowed by the regulations, and having a quiet game 
of " ould sledge" with a comrade, when, says Pat, "Up comes 
Sargent Delaney, yer Honors. An' he says to me, says he, 
' Pathrick O'Flanagan, fall in fur dhrill.' An' thin I says to him, 
says I, 'Sargent Delaney, I'll not fall in.' 

"An' thin, yer Honors, he knocks the keerds from me hand," 
an' he says, says he, 'Pathrick O' Flanagan, wtid ye fall in fur 
dhrill f An' I sthands up, an' I says to him, says I, 'Sargent 
Delaney, I'll not fall in fur dhrill !' An' thin, yer Honors, he knocks 
me doivn. _ , 

" An' thin, I stands up forninst him, an' I sa}'s to him, says I, 
' Sargent Delaney, do yees viane that ?' An' thin, yer Honors, he 
knocks me dow?i again. 

" An' I says to him the second time, says I, ' Sargent Delaney, 
do yees mane that?' An' thin, yer Honors, he knocks me down 
AGAIN ! An' thin, — I bate him, yer Honors." 

Captain Hayward told his story in connection with a review ol 
the relation between North and South, which had led to the war. 
Again and again, he said, the North had come meekly up to the 
mark, to ask of some distard blow, " do you mean that?" and again 
and again the blow had been repeated, until forbearance ceased to 
be a virtue, and at last the South, like " Sargeht Delaney," came in 
for a " bating," and a good one we would make it, too. 

The Captain was often interrupted by cheers and laughter, and, 
" Sargent Delaney, do you mean that?" became one of the by- words 
of the camp. 

Poor Hayward ! That was the last " speech " he ever made. 

In the evening we had quite a display of fireworks, and military 
dignity unbent while we enjoyed a frolic that taps, after several 
persistent repetitions, could hardly silence. 

The following letter we cut from the Buffalo Courier : 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 20I 

Camp Rufus King, July 22, 1862. 

King's division lies quietly on the banks of the Rappahannock, ready to move 
at an hour's notice, in whichever direction its services may be required. Occasionally 
it stretches out xX.?, feelers in the shape of a regiment or a squadron of cavalry to scour 
the country, and watch the approaches. Stonewall Jackson, it is said, is bent on 
making another demonstration on Washington, and our Generals are on the qui vivc, 
and seem to think that he will make his appearance on his old stamping ground. 
Should he attempt another raid in that direction, I fancy he will find more formidable 
obstructions than stone walls to check his progress. 

A few days since General King sent out the Harris Light Cavalry to make a 
dash at a station known as Beaver Dam, on the Virginia Central Railroad, about 
twenty-five miles from Richmond, where the rebels were said to have a depot. The 
expedition was entirely successful. Marching all night, the cavalry reached the place 
early in the morning, tore up the railroad track, and -destroyed a large amount of 
commissary stores, capturing the officers in charge and several privates, returning 
without the loss of a man. I am constrained to believe that the cavalry force of the 
Army of Virginia will be kept more actively employed than formerly. It might be 
made very useful in cutting off the communication that is kept up by the rebel leaders 
and their friends within our lines. Mails are received at Frederickburg from 
Richmond two or three times a week, and Richmond papers have been received 
there less than forty eight hours old. I apprehend that jeft". Davis himself would 
find little difficulty in reaching Washington via Fredericksburg. It. is easy to see 
that the emissaries of the Southern Confederacy can pass through our lines and take 
the European steamers without difficulty. 

Patrick's brigade is encamped about two miles from the river, and as far from 
the rest of the division. The location is pleasant and healthful. The transfer of 
General Augur to the First Corps gives this brigade the right, and the Twenty-First 
Regiment the head and front of the division. Orders were received some time since 
to be ready to move at an hour's notice, and tlius are we hanging by the eyelids, 
expecting every hour to hear the bugle note to strike tents, and now no one knows 
whither. These orders, however, are not allowed to interfere with our military 
duties and keep us in idle expectancy. The brigade and battalion drills are continued 
morning and evening. A review and inspection takes place regularly every Sunday 
morning. 

We are watching with much interest the response of the loyal States to the 
recent call for additional troops. That they are wanted there is no doubt, and that 
speedily; init it seems to me the regiments already in the field should be filled up 
before creating new ones. Raw recruits soon become good soldiers by being 
associated with those who have seen some service, and they almost insensibly fall into 
those habits which months of the severest discipline will fail to promote. This 
brigade, which ought to have four thousand men for duty, does not muster more than 
half that number. There are now on detached service from it over seven hundred 
men. Many of these have been detailed to serve in the batteries, some have gone 
into the cavalry, others in the Western gunboat service. Disease, death, and those 
discharged for disability, have thinned the ranks of the old regiments, and they ought 
to be filled by recruits immediately or consolidated. 



202 CHRONICLES OF THE 

The South is paying dearly for having forced this unnatural war upon the 
country. Famine and pestilence must soon follow on its desolating track. Seed 
time and harvest have passed, and the planter finds his barns empty. The standing 
grain has rotted in the field for the want of hands to gather it in. Oh ye who live in 
the quiet of your peaceful homes, with all the comforts of life within your reach, and 
know little of the horrors of war, strengthen our ranks if you would have us stand 
between you and an earnest, determined foe. Rely not with too much confidence on 
the ability of the army to beat back the hordes that are arrayed against us. Every 
able-bodied man in the South is in arms, and they are terribly in earnest. 

Not so with us. Our policy, hitherto, has been to conciliate rather than destroy 
our foe, and as we advance, looking upon the inhabitants as friends and allies until 
they prove themselves to be enemies. We have been deluded into the belief that 
there is a strong Union sentiment in the revolted States. It may be so, but it is very 
slow in manifesting itself. Few, indeed, have the courage to come out boldly and 
sustain the Government, while the vast majority do not hesitate to proclaim their 
preference for the Southern Confederacy. The mass of the population are ignorant 
to a degree that is startling to a Northerner. It knows little that transpires in the 
world beyond its immediate circle. It believes implicitly all that is told it by the 
leading spirits of the neighborhood. The very dialect of the mass l)etrays its 
ignorance — differing in no respect from that used by the slaves. And yet these men 
are told that the Northern mechanic and laboring man ranks no higher in the scale 
of civilization than the negro, and that it is the yoke of these J>Jorthern mechanics and 
laborers that they are fighting to throw off. 

Our policy of conducting the war is to be changed. It is time. We are in the 
enemy's country, and those who inhabit it should be treated as enemies until they 
yield prompt obedience to the Government. But it is lime to close, as the mail leaves 
in a few minutes. More anon. 

X. 

On Sunday, July 27th, after parade, the brigade was assembled 
around an old oak on the right of our line of encampment, for church 
service. It was the last time our unbroken lines ever would gather 
at the Chaplain's call, though we little thought at the time that such 
was the fact. It was in the cool and stillness of the evening, the 
setting sun was hid behind the woods, and a gentle breeze fluttered 
the leaves of the Chaplain's prayer book, while he read the words 
of hope, listened to by many who would never listen again, and who 
might well treasure them against the coming hour when earth should 
lose its hold. 

The General rose, as often before, and again we heard his voice 
raised in solemn warning. He told us that we might never again 
meet thus, as a brigade, that it might be his last chance to speak, 
and ours to listen ; and then he bade each hearken to the still small 
voice in his own heart, and prepared for that which follows death. 
He told us, too, how noble it were to die for man's good upon the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 203 

battle field, and begged that none might, in dying thus gloriously, 
forget his own salvation. 

Twilight fell while still, with hushed breath, we listened, and 
then, when he had ended, one of his aids rose to read the hymn ; but 
his voice faltered. 

" Give me the book," said Patrick, and with his deep tones full 
of the believer's fervor, he read the hymn beginning, 

Rock of ages, cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in thee. 

And a thousand voices rising on the evening air, told the woods 
and hills how Christian soldiers prepared for the day of battle. 

Perhaps, at that moment, some valley only a few miles away, 
heard voices as earnest in devotion, raised by hearts as true and 
faithful as any, but whose prayers to heaven, if heard would make 
ours of no avail. So it must ever be until millennial light dawns 
upon earth, and truth stands revealed to all its chilciren alike. 

Next morning at six, we broke camp, and, for the third time, 
crossed the river,' pitching our tents again at our old encampment 
on the poplar crowned hill of the reservoir. This time our brigade 
alone held Fredericksburg, and the Twenty- First was immediately 
sent out on picket duty, this time establishing the line somewhat in 
advance of the old one, from the plank road to the South, and the 
right and left wings doing duty alternately. 

On the 5th day of August, a large force, artillery, infantry and 
all the cavalry of our division, made a demonstration upon the line 
of the enemy's railroad communication between Richmond and 
Gordonsville, which they succeeded in cutting. While this was 
being accomplished, one of the supply trains following the 
expedition was attacked by guerrilla cavalry and taken, while too 
far in the rear to be protected. Immediately upon hearing of this. 
Col. Rogers sent out " B " and " D " on the Bowling Green road, to 
the scene of action. 

Companies " C " and " I " were sent out on the 6th to escort a 
supply train for Hatch's brigade. They took different routes, " C " 
with part of the train going out on the telegraph road, and " I " with 
the remainder of the wagons, going towards Spottsylvania. While 
crossing the Po river near three in the afternoon, " C," under 
command of Captain Washburn and Lieutenant Remington, was 
attacked by a superior force of the enemy's cavalry, and had, as 



204 CHRONICLES OF THE 

they said, quite a lively little time, succeeded at last in driving back 
the enemy, and saving the train. 

Tired and hot, they had halted, a little in advance of the train, 
at the river, which is here quite narrow, for rest and refreshments, 
both of the inner and outer man.' Some were seated under the trees 
investigating the contents of their haversacks, and beginning to 
transfer said contents to a more secure receptable, while others were 
enjoying the luxury of a bath in the rocky bottomed stream, and 
innocently disporting in its lucid waves. The last three wagons of 
the train and an ambulance with a sick soldier bringing up the rear, 
were descending the hill behind. This sick soldier has his musket 
with him, and suddenly he brings it to his shoulder and blazes away 
at a " solitary horseman " who has just unconsciously turned into 
the road in the rear and very near the ambulance. The midday 
echoes reply drowsily, the solitary horseman curses and " clattawa's " 
up the road as though suddenly impressed 'with the idea that 
somebody is hooking his dinner, over the hill, and on the bank, the 
nice little party thus rudely disturbed are huddling their duds 
together and falling in. Down came the wagons at top speed. 
Remington with a few files is already half up the hill, and deploying 
them as skirmishers, while the rest are forming and preparing for 
action. The skirmishers reach the top, each levels his piece 
instantly and fires, and then all turn and run down again, loading as 
they come. Washburn is moving rapidly up with his reserves, a 
few are still struggling wildly with their clothes, and hurrying up in 
the rear to reach their places in line, and one, reduced to the barest 
of extremities, rushes frantically along with his don't-mention-em's 
in one hand and his musket in the other, ever and anon making 
spasmodic but unsuccessful efforts to "put his foot in it," without 
being at the same time left behind. Half up the hill the retiring 
and advancing forces meet, combime, and form for action A 
moment of suspense, and over the hill they come ; first a long line 
of glancing sabres and waving arms, then a row ot slouchy hats and 
brown faces, which open and give vent to a volley of screeches, and 
simultaneously the heads and tossing manes, and then the bodies of 
their steeds. From our little line, which is dis}Josed to the best 
advantage the ground affords, a rattling welcome greets them, 
replied by their carbines and revolvers. The front rank of horsemen 
breaks, right and left, a few steeds plunging riderless away ; the 
next delivers its fire and whirls back, and then the next; but no 
nearer do they come than just in neat range for the little 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 205 

Springfields, which are popping; away in the grass and behind the 
trees Hke a full grown Fourth of July, and by and by they forget to 
come up at all. 

The wagons are safe in front, and so is the irrepressible sick 
man who fired that first shot ; and our only loss is that of one 
team-horse shot through while crossing the stream and tinging its 
current with his blood. Only one man, Joseph Sauer, was wounded, 
and he not seriously. Thus ended the battle of the Po. Victory 
.perched upon our banners. The " insulting foe " had tried Company 
" C " and had not found them wanting, and Adonis was ijiexpressibly 
satisfied at getting his walkers once more safely into the light blue. 

Company " B " and " D," on the night of the 5th, reached the 
valley of the Massaponax, where we found the bridge crossing that 
stream a smoking pile of timbers. About a mile farther, after 
deploying and advancing in line as skirmishers for some distance 
through the woods and fields, we were ordered back, and lay that 
night at a farm upon the telegraph road. Next morning we 
marched back, joining " C " on the way, greeting them boisterously 
and looking with immense respect and envy upon these tellows who 
had seen a fight, and who bore their honors so modestly. We had 
learned the particulars of the affair from the solitary wounded man, 
who passed us in an ambulance some hours before. 

Burnside, with his army, from North Carolina, had arrived 
August 4th, and on the 8th they crossed the river, and the 79th N. 
Y. V. (Highlanders), came up to relieve us. We had received 
good large tents two days before, and had just fijiished laying out a 
fine camp and making ourselves comfortable for a long stay or a 
short one, as luck pleased, and, of course, after the pains we had 
taken it was sure to be the latter. 

However, the " Highland laddies " fully appreciated our labors, 
and we solaced ourselves with the thought that we were perhaps 
leaving inactivity and ennui to them while we took our turn in 
the field. 

Our time had indeed come, and here ends the period ot our 
probation, so wearisome and prolonged. With our next chapter 
begins the record of the " bloody autumn," and as a fitting period 
to this, we give the following recapitulation of the changes thus far 
made in the Twenty-First: 

The regiment, at this time, numbered about si.\ hundred men for ckity. Various 
changes had been made in the positions of the companies, in line, as resignations and 
promotions made one or another the senior captain of the regiments ; and at this time 



206 CHRONICLES OF THE 

*' H " under Captain Hayward, held the right, " K," Captain Lay ton, the left, and 
■" F," Captain Clinton, was the color company of the regiment; Wm. H. Drew had 
been promoted from Major to Lieut. -Colonel, May 6th, 1862, and Horace G. Thomas 
from Captain Company " I " to Major, same date ; Lieut. -Colonel Adrian R. Root 
had been transferred by promotion to the colonelcy of the 94th N. Y. .S. V., May 
5th, 1862. 

Company " A" was still commanded by Captain Robert P. Gardner, with Levi 
Vallier and John E. Ransom as first and second lieutenants, the last named officer 
receiving his promotion about the time of our leaving Fredericksburg. At this time 
the company had lost none of its members by death. One man, George W. Morgan, 
who was transferred to the gunboat Mound City, in the winter of 1861, was killed 
in action on board that vessel on the i8th day of June, 1862. Nine men had been 
honorably discharged. William Munro had been transferred to Company " E," 
September loth, 1861, and Joseph M. Estabrook to band, October ist, 1861 ; 
seventeen men had deserted, whose names will be found in the muster out rolls which 
close this history. 

Captain Henry Gaylord, of " B," resigned his commission August 9th, 1862, and 
Lieut. Algar M. Wheeler was promoted to the command instead ; James J. McLiesh 
and John W. Davock were at the same time commissioned as First and Second 
Lieutenants. The company had been reduced by the following numbers; eleven men 
honorably discharged, two deserted, and four deceased — Sergeant Egbert B. 
Wallace, who died November 3d, 1861, and whose death has been previously spoken 
of; John Savage, of typhoid fever, at Annapolis, Md., July 19th, 1861 ; Garrett B. 
Lockwood, also of typhus, at Fredericksburg, May 8th, 1862; and Warren Lovi'ry 
of the same, and at the same place, June 30tli, 1862. The following transfers, not 
previously mentioned, had been made ; Charles H. Bidwell to be 2d Lieutenant 49th 
N. Y. S. V. ; Greig H. Mulligan, to be 2d Lieutenant 90th N. V. S. V. ; Henry 
H. Halsey to be 2d Lieutenant in Company "K," of "ours," April 29th, 1862. 
These promotions were all well deserved, and that especially of Lieutenant Halsey, in 
our own regiment, gave general satisfaction. 

In Company "C" more changes had been made. Captain Washburn was still 
in command; Ist Lieutenant Allan M. Adams had been promoted to the captaincy 
of Company " E," December 17th, 1861, and Lieutenant George L. Remington was 
commissioned in his place on the same day; Morris H. Alberger had been made 2d 
Lieutenant at the same time, being promoted from Sergeant Major, but from his 
having resigned, Sergeant George Hurst was promoted to the 2d Lieutenancy, May 
20th, 1862 ; Lieutenant John Canfield had been transferred to Company " L" August 
yih, 1861 ; nineteen men had been honorably discharged, four had deserted, none 
had died. The following transfers had been made : Private Horace Dunlap to be 
Captain 50th Illinois Volunteers, September 1st, 1861 ; private Charles Lanagan to 
Company " K," 21st N. Y. S. V., September ist, 1861; private Charles O. Shepard 
to be 2d Lieutenant 82d N. Y. S. V., March ist; Sergeant Harrison Wells to be 2d 
Lieutenant 78th N. Y. S. V., May 20th ; and private Robert E. Pomeroy to Company 
" E," 2ist N. Y. S. v., July ist, 1862. 

Company " D" was in command of Captain George M. Baker, Alberger having 
been promoted to Lieut.-Colonel, and transferred to 49th N. Y. S. V., September 
22d, 1 861. Lieutenants Byron Schermerhorn and Henry C. Beebee were 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 207 

commissioned at the same time. Eighteen men had been honorably discharged, four 
had deserted, and one — Abner W. Chase — had died, April 2d, 1862. The 
following transfers were made ; Captain Wm. C. Alberger and Lieutenant William 
F. Wheeler, the former to be Lieut.-Colonel and the latter Captain in 49th N. Y. S. 
v., September 22d and October ist, 1861 ; Morris H. Alberger promoted to Sergeant- 
Major, and then 2d Lieutenant Company " B ; " John A. Barney to be 2d Lieutenant 
Company " F," June, 1862; Sergeant Daniel H. Blatchford to Company " K," May 
1st, 1862; Wilham H. Devening to Company " B," — date not recorded; Orville 
S. Dewey to be 2d Lieutenant 49th N. Y. S. V., May 20th, 1862; Oliver C. 
Houghton to be Lieutenant 25th N. Y. S. V., October 29th, 1861 ; Henry G. Lansing 
to be 2d Lieutenant Company " K," August 3d, 1861 ; James E. Mackay to be 
Lieutenant in 63d N. Y. S. V., December 6th, 1861 ; Stanley Porter to Company 
" L" March ist, 1862; Willet H. Fargo to be Sergeant- Major 21st, February ist, 
1862; and William Porter to 49th N. Y S. V., November 1st, 1861. 

Captain Allan M. Adams was in command of Company " E," Captain James 
C. Strong having been appointed Lieut.-Colonel and transferred to 38th N. Y. S. V., 
November ist, 1861; Charles E. Efner was ist and William L. Whitney 2d 
Lieutenant, the latter having been promoted from Sergeant, November 1st, 1861. 
■Twelve men had been honorably discharged, three had deserted, and the following 
had died; George A. Hamlin, March 13th; Franklin Steiver, April 17th; Godfrey 
Hermann, July 22d; and Edward Cook, August 5th, 1862. Lieutenant Thomas 
Sloan had resigned, November ist, 1861. The following transfers had been made: 
Captain James C. Strong as above ; Corporal George Peterson to be 2d Lieutenant 
II 6th N. Y. S. V. — date not recorded ; and sixteen others were transferred in arrest 
to the Rip Raps, by order of General McDowell, August 20th, 1861. 

Company "F" was still commanded by Captain George D. W. Clinton, with 
John A. Barney as ist and Samuel McMurray as 2d Lieutenant. 1st Lieutenant 
Thomas B. Wright had resigned, June 15th, 1862, and 2d Lieutenant Samuel P. Gail 
had been transferred to "K" Company, with rank of 1st Lientenant, April 29th, 
1862. Seventeen men had been honorably discharged, two had deserted, and two 
had died — Charles L Dutton, of typhoid fever, at Fredericksburg, June 8th, 1862; 
and John Galligan, April 28th of the same year, from injuries received in the service. 
The following additional transfers had been made: Albert F. Ransom, to 
Quartermaster's Department, as Quartermaster-Sergeant ; Clark Dodge, to same, as 
Commissary-Sergeant; David L. Aberdeen to "D" Company; and Frederick C. 
Parke to Batteiy " G," 5th U. S. Artillery. 

Company " G " had but few changes in its officers to this date. Captain Edward 
L. Lee and Lieutenants Daniel Myers and Jacob E. Bergtold had retained their 
places since the organization of the company. Six men had been honorably 
discharged, eight had deserted, and the following had died: William Mathews and ' 
John Layh, of hydrophobia, in August, 1861, at Fort Runyon ; and John Bump, 
August 2d, 1862, of typhoid fever, at Camp Patrick, Fredericksburg. The following 
transfers had been made: Charles Navel to be Fife Major 49th N. Y. S. V., 
September ist, 1861 ; Philip Kepler to Company " D," October 2d, 1S61 ; William 
H. Sherman to 2d U. S. Cavalry. 

Company " H " still retained its noble Captain, Elisha L. Hayward. Lieutenants 
Samuel Wilkeson and Hugh Johnson had been transferred, the former to Van Allen 



208 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Cavalry, October 1st, 1861, the latter to the 6th U. S. Infantry, August 20th of the 
same year. Sergeant Frederick Minery had been promoted to the 1st Lieutenancy, 
May 6th, 1862; and Quartermaster-Sergeant Peter C. Doyle to be 2d Lieutenant, 
October ist, 1861. Six men had been discharged, three had deserted, and three had 
died — Corporal Edward Bowman, near Hunter's Chapel, December 26th, 1861 ; and 
Sergeant James Cunningham, at Camp Rufus King, July ist, 1862. Four men had 
been sent to the Rip Raps, August 20tli, 1861, and one had been dishonorably 
disciiarged. 

John H. Canfield commanded Company " L" vice Horace G. Thomas, who had 
been appointed Major, May 5th, 1862. James S. Mulligan was ist and Patrick 
Hickey 2d Lieutenant. Lieutenant Abbott C. Calkins had been transferred to 
Company " K," June ist; and Lieutenant William O. Brown had resigned, August 
7th, 1861. Nine men had been honorably discharged, eleven had deserted, and two 
had died — Frank Aigne, drowned at Elmira, June 2d, 1861 ; and Christian Hermann 
in hospital at Washington, July 31st, 1862. John W. Comstock, had been transferred 
to " K," January 2lst, 1862. 

Company "K" was still in command ot Captain [ohn M. Layton, with 
Lieutenants Samuel P. Gail and Henry H. Ilalsey. 1st Lieutenant Augustus N. 
Gillett had resigned, August 1st, 1861. Peter C. Doyle had been appointed, l)ut 
received no commission. Henry Lansing had been appointed 1st Lieutenant from 
the ranks of " D," his commission dating from the resignation of Gillett; he resigned 
December, 1861. Lieutenant Abbott C. Calkins, transferred from " L" resigned 
April 29th, 1862. 2d Lieutenant John Nicholson resigned August 6th, 1861. James 
S. Mulligan, appointed from " B " in his place, was transferred to " L" January ist, 
1862. Sergeant Henry P. Morse was promoted to the vacancy, and resigned April 
29th, 1862, being succeeded by Halsey. Eight men had been honorably discharged, 
one had deserted, and James Wilson died at Upton Hill, March 4th, 1862, of 
congestion of the lungs. 

The following are the names of the recruits received since leaving Elmira : 

Company "A." — Sergeant Francis Myers, December I5lh, 1862; Corporal 
John Schmidt, SepteiViber 28th, 1861 ; James Bell, September iglh, 1861; James 
Brown, March 29th, 1862; Michael Cauley, September 21st, 1861 ; John W. Doney, 
September 14th, 1861 ; John Heyer, November 20th, 1861 ; Joseph H. Jones, 
September 14th, 1861 ; Michael^ Kriffer, September 19th, 1861 ; Peter Klein. 
September 13th, 1861 ; Jacob A. Langmyer, September 25th, 1861 ; Louis J. 
Reichert, February 12th, 1862; Peter Bieber, October 14th, 1861 ; Anthony Dasher,. 
September nth, 1861 ; Christian Henry, September 28th, 1861 ; Stoughton C. Moore, 
October 17th, 1861 ; William Munro, September loth, 1861 ; WiUiam R. Bassett, 
November ist, 1861 ; Samuel Brown, February 12th, 1862; William C. Carter, 
September i6th, 1861 ; Josephus Cheeney, September 14th, 1861 ; George Smith, 
September loth 1S61 ; John J. Smith, November 1st, 1861. 

C0MP.A.NY " B." — August Bommell, September 23d, 1861 ; Michael Broughton, 
April 5th, 1862; Charles A. Buchanan, November 4th, 1861 ; Hugh Donaldson, 
October l8lh, 1861 ; Marvin Luke, September 13th, 1861 ; James Mahar, March 
31st, 1862; George Meaner, October i8th, 1861 ; Daniel Morningstar, September 
I2th, 1861 ; Louis Reihl, September 12th, 1861 ; Orrin Stickney, November 4th, 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 209 

1861; Orson Stone, September 24th, 1861 ; Edward Van Orman, October 25th, 
1S61 ; Henry M. Hill, November 23d, 1861. 

CoMi'ANY " C." — Eugene Dickinson, September 12th, 1S61 ; William Fox, 
October 21st, 1861 ; Elbridge O. Gary, October l8th, 1861 ; Ezra C. Hull, November 
19th, 1861 ; Willliam McDonald, November 7th, 1861; Charles Peterson, October 
i8th, 1861 ; George L. Pantler, March 19th, 1862; John Raleigh, March 4th, 1862 
James G. Remington, October i8th, 1862; Reuben A. Scofield, October 9th, i86i 
Conrad D. Stabler, September I2tli, 1861 ; John G. Suor, February 19th, 1862 
George Tremper, January 3d, 1862; Francis A. Valentine, September nth, 1861 
George Williams, September 13th, 1861 ; George Yuncker, March loth, 1862; Curtis 
W. Rose, October 22d, 1861 ; Charles R. Peck, November 19th, 1861 ; William 
G. Rice, September 23d, 1861 ; Lova M. Fuller, November 2d, 1861 ; Charles 
Kingman, September 14th, 1861. 

Company " D." — Sydney Foose, April 5th, 1862; Heman Guild, drummer, 
August 1st, 1861 ; Benjamin F. Hemstreet, September 12th, 1S61 ; James L. Hill, 
September aSth, 1861 ; Walter B. Hubbard, Frank Robinson, William B. Taylor 
and Burt Woodworth, September 12th, 1861 ; Michael J. Birsch, October 30th, 
1861 ; William R. Deacon, September 12th, 1861 ; Robert W. Deacon, October 9th, 
1861 ; Peter Foster, November 8th, 1861 ; Reuben Holden, April nth, 1862; 
George N. Merrill, September 12th, 1861 ; Henry C. Stevens, September i6th, 1861 ; 
Almond Welch, April 3d, 1862; John Brazil], September 12th, 1861 ; Michael 
J. Coan, September I2lh, 1861. 

Company " E." — Daniel Barst, December i8th, 1861 ; John Moore, November 
9th, 1861 ; Benjamin Adamy, December 19th, 1861 ; Lawton D. Bancroft, April 
loth, 1862 ; Homer M. Choate, November 4th, 1861 ; Henry Howell, January 20th, 
1862; William H. Hause, September 13th, 1861; Frederick Krauthause, March 
26th, 1862; Jacob Lanberger, March 29th, 1862; William G. Monroe, September 
loth, 1862; Jacob Randall, December 4th, 1861 ; John Hermann, December i8th, 
1861 ; George W. Proctor, September loth, 1861 ; Charles Bertch, April loth, 1862; 
Wilder Vantine, November 12th, 1861 ; George A. Hamlin, November 9th, 1861 ; 
Franklin Steiver, November 6th, 1861 ; Godfrey Hermann, November 4th, 1861 ; 
Edward Cook, November 4th, 1861; William Chambers, Sefitember 17th, 1861 ; 
Byron Chaffee, November 5th, 1861 ; Nathaniel A. Hewitt, February loth, 1862 ; 
Henry Collingwood, March 29tli, 1862. 

Company " F." — Franklin Averill, Walter E, La Montague, James R. Lewis, 
John G. Mayer, Milton D. Moon, Alfred Sweetapple, Peter Besor, James McCarty, 
James Wilson, William W. Bennett and George Mauley, all on September 20th, 1861. 

Company " G." — George E. Cross, February 8th, 1862 ; Amos Dacre, February 
7th, 1862; Sydney Hall, January 27th, 1862; Philip Hessinger, September 24th, 
1861 ; James Hickmott, January 31st, 1862; Henry H. Kinskey, October 15th 1861 ; 
William Purcell, February 4th, 1862; Charles W. Myers, September loth, 1861. 

Company " H." — Michael Biller, February 12th, 1862; Sanford Freeman, 
September loth, 1861 ; George Hewitt, March nth, 1862; Joseph E. Peate, 
February 2Sth, 1862; William Senff, March nth, 1862; John Trigg, October 
nth, 1861. 

Company " L" — Edward Irwin, June 6th, 1861 ; Joseph Lasson, October 2d, 
1861 ; Jacob Hart, June 15th, 1862; Frank Knopp, June 8th, iS(j2; Adam Keel, 



2IO CHRONICLES OF THE 

September 13th, 1861 ; Henry Muncie, September gth, 1861 ; C. A. Dougherty, 
October 19th, 1861. 

Company " K." — -John J. Brush, re-enlisted, December nth, 1861 ; John 
Hutchinson, January 8th, 1862; Barney Brennan, January 14th, 1862; Philip 
Herbold, drummer, October 5th, 1861 ; Alanson Bulson, October 9th, 1861 ; Casper 
Bleiler, September 25th, 1861 ; Edward V. Babcock, October 5th, 1861 ; Marcus 
Fields, October 7th, 186-1 ; Adam Hutchinson, January 13th, 1862; William C. 
Hubble, October 8th, 1861 ; Joseph Kerrin, September 23d, 1861 ; Wilbur Mitchell, 
September 23d, 1861 ; John McKibbin, October 5th, 1861; Louis J. Ottenot, July 
1st, 1861 ; James E. Reed, October 4th, 1861 ; Joseph Reed, re-enlisted, September 
23d, 1861 ; Albert Zimmerman, September 19th, 1861 ; Chauncey B. Mathewson, 
September 23d, i86i ; Jacob Nubholz, January nth, 1862; William H. Moore, 
October 19th, 1861 ; Charles Morselow, October 5th, 1861 ; Thomas H. Mahama, 
October 14th, 1861 ; James Kelley, September 8th, i86i ; Joseph Prior, October 4th, 
1861 ; Conrad Klein, October 14th, 1861. 




TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



CHAPTER XI 



Again "On the March." — Pope's "Order No. 5." — The Ravages of War. — Battle of Cedar 
Mountain. — "Too Late, as usual." — A Battle Field the day after. — We encamp upon the 
Mountain. — Waiting for Orders again. — Dismal Rumors. — The balance trembles : Fate decides 
against us, and " up we go." — The Storm gathers. — Night, and the " Retreat " begins. 



ON THE 9th day of August, King's division left Fredericksburg 
to join its corps under McDowell, at Culpepper, where the 
Army of Virginia was then concentrating, under Pope. 

We marched at five in the morning, by the plank or wilderness 
road, pressing on rapidly, although the morning was warm, and 
reaching Chancellorsville near noon. Here we halted to await the 
arrival of the division. The knapsacks had been carried thus far in 
the wagons of a few farmers, who, with their teams, had been 
pressed into the Quartermaster's service for the day. In the 
afternoon, heavy firing was heard in the direction of Culpepper, and 
we knew that bloody work was going on in that quarter, while we 
chafed at the delay which prevented us from taking a part. 

In the night, while we still lay here, awaiting our orders to 
move, foraging parties were sent out and at day-break returned 
with supplies and wagons for the transportation of the knapsacks. 

The bugle sounded the " fall in" at five, and again we moved 
on into the wilderness. At ten we reached the Rapidan at Germania 
Ford. The river was unusually high, but we forded it without 
mishap, and in our soaked garments, steaming in the sun, moved on 
at a lively pace. The route through the wilderness is memorable 
for its wild and picturesque roughness, the road alternating in 
painful climbings up and precipitate descents, full of immense 
boulders, over which it seemed hardly possible for the wagons and 
guns to pass, and here and there a stretch of bog or causeway, 
fringed by the deepest tangles of rank undergrowth where the frogs 
croaked at mid-day. 

Near noon, we halted to rest and make our coffee, expecting to 
move on again presently. Then we were ordered to wait until six , 
when the remainder of the division would be up and ready to move 



212 CHRONICLES OF THE 

on with us. Before that time a heavy thunder storm came up and 
we lay "in soak" until nine, when we were ordered to make 
ourselves comfortable for the night, as we were not to move yet. 

Next morning, August nth. General Hatch's brigade passed 
our bivouac at sunrise, and we immediately followed. That day 
was intensely warm and we made few pauses, the columns seemed 
more connected, and everything- indicated our approach to the 
scene of the expected conflict. Rumors of the battle already fought 
met us constantly, with various estimates of advantage gained by 
our forces, but all agreeing in claiming a victory for us. On that 
day we began to see the practical working of Pope's " Order No. 
5 " all along the line of march. 

Horses and mules had been appropriated by the men wherever 
found, and many of the infantry regiments would have puzzled a 
novice in deciding, from their appearance, what arm of the service 
they belonged to ; half of the men being mounted, and others 
leading sumptor horses or mules upon which were packed all the 
worldly gear of entire squads, together with quantities of defunct 
fowls, pigs and sheep, destined to further martyrdom over the 
evening's camp fire. " General Order No. 5 " was almost 
universally misconstrued, the men taking it as a " carte blanche," 
given them by the commander, and the officers overlooking or 
favoring the abuses that resulted from such an indiscriminating 
license. * However, in our own brigade the evil was less apparent, 
General Patrick having explained to all the true intention of the 
order, and directed that any unauthorized foraging be strictly 



*The following is " a true copy " of this famous order, which exposed General Pope to so much 
unmerited censure ; 

Headquarters Army of Virginia, 
Washington, July i8th, 1862. 
General Orders No. 5. 

Hereafter, as far as practicable, the troops of this command will subsist tipon the country in 
which their operations are carried on. ' In all cases supplies will be taken by the officers to whose 
department they properly belong, imder the orders of the commanding officer of the troops for whose 
use they are intended. Vouchers will be given to the owners, stating on their face that they will be 
payable at the conclusion of the war, upon sufficient testimony being furnished that such owners 
have been loyal citizens of the United States since the date of the vouchers. Whenever it is known 
that supplies can be furnished in any district of the country where the troops are to operate, the use 
of trains for carrying subsistence will be dispensed with as far as possible. 
By compiand of Major General Pope. ^ 

GEORGE D. RUGGLES, 
Col., Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

C. A. MORGAN, 

Col. and Aid-de-Camp. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 213 

forbidden, and that the officers immediately and summarily punish 
any soldier who should presume to forage without permission. 

The result was, that, whatever the men did sub rosa, our 
column was not disgraced by such sights as were but too common 
along the line of march. 

Of the order mentioned, General Pope, in his official report of 
the operations of the Army of Virginia, under him, says ; 

" The order requiring the troops to subsist upon the country in 
which their operations were conducted, has, with a wilful disregard 
of its terms, been construed greatly to my discredit, as authorizing 
indiscriminate robbery and plunder; yet the terms of this order-are 
so specific, as to the manner and by whom all property or 
subsistence needed for the use of the army, should be seized, and 
the order is so common in the history of warfare, that I have been 
amazed that it could have been so misinterpreted and misunderstood. 
It is therefore submitted here for the calm examination of the 
government and of the public. 

" I believed then and believe now, that the policy there laid 
down was wise and just, and was well calculated to secure efficient 
and rapid operations of the army, and in case of reverse, to leave 
the enemy without the means of subsisting in the country over which 
our army had passed, and over which any pursuit must be 
conducted. The long delay and embarrassment of the army under 
General Lee, in its subsequent movements towards Washington, 
occasioned largely by the want of supplies taken from the country 
under this order, fully justified its wisdom." 

That the order, if rightly used, was just and wise, cannot be 
doubted. It had become too apparent that we were in an enemy's 
country, and the destructive policy of protecting and sparing him 
to strike us from behind, and saving his goods for the use of an 
opposing army, was abandoned none too soon. The evils growing 
out of this were becoming too great. 

We reached Stevensburg shortly after noon, and here a halt 
was sounded, for the day was intensely hot, and the weary laggards 
refused to be urged. Straggling increased every moment, and word 
was sent to the front that it was impossible to keep the rear closed 
up. So right and left into the green fields the brigades and 
regiments turned from the road and stretched themselves upon the 
grass for an hour's " nooning." 

The trains were not uniformly in their places in the column, the 
Quartermasters had not perfected their arrangements for supplies. 



214 CHRONICLES OF THE 

SO many who had exhausted their haversacks and felt the cravings 
of hunger, scattered in search of food. At the door of a tunibled- 
down, deserted looking farm house, myself and a comrade asked for 
food, offering our scanty remnant of the money received on last 
pay-day for a bowl of bread and milk. The old lady, who, with a 
grown up daughter, and two or three ill-looking men, — who 
glowered at us from the interior of the room — were the only 
occupants, set before us a pan of" clabber," the Virginian name for 
thick sour milk, saying that she had no bread in the house, it had 
all been taken in the morning, but would bake some if we could 
wait, an offer which we were obliged to decline. We finished the 
milk and again offered our money, but the dame refused it, saying 
that she had two boys of her own in Lee's army, and hoping, with 
tears in her eyes, " that they might never want for so poor a meal." 
Poor mother, she had listened for days to the booming of the 
cannon, and her heart ached for the safety of those sons. 

" They say it will be a glorious thing for us to get our 
independence," said she, " but they can't give us back our sons 
when they have killed them." 

At about three o'clock we again fell in, as an order had arrived, 
hastening us forward to the field. From the heights of Stevensburg 
we could see the far away, forest-crowned Cedar Mountain, but no 
token of its dreadful tragedy was revealed by that serene distance. 
The sun glinted warmly upon its green dusky sides, and we only 
felt that its forests hid dark secrets in their merciful bosom. 

All the long afternoon we toiled toward that land-mark, 
watching and listening for the first gray cloud or distant rumble 
which should warn of the coming storm of death. The sun waned 
and sank, and still we toiled on, and when twilight overtook us the 
dark height loomed close upon the left, dim and silent as the 
thousands of graves above which it rose in cairn-like grandeur. 

At the railroad crossing, as we neared the field, we miet William 
B. Williams and Daniel W. Jenny, both of " D," who had been 
detached as clerks, for duty at McDowell's headquarters, some time 
before, and they brought us the details of the fight. Many of the 
regiments with whom we had held neighborly intercourse in times 
past, and among which we numbered' hundreds of old and dear 
friends, were fearfully thinned upon the mountain there, and nearly 
every " Twenty-Onester " had the same question to ask concerning 
some one of these, and the answer was too often the same. Colonel 
Donnelly, of the 28th, was mortally wounded, Lieutenant-Colonel 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 21 5 

Brown had lost an arm, and Major Cook was reported killed, all in 
the same fierce and deadly charge upon the wheat field yonder ; 
Captain William Warren was shattered by six balls, and scores of 
the rank and file of the brave little rifle regiment were sleeping the 
last sleep where they fought so well. 

It was near nine o'clock when we took our position in a stubble 
field to the right of the road, stacked arms in column by division, 
and laid ourselves down to take a good night's rest, and prepare 
for the battle on the morrow. We had marched forty miles in 
thirty-six hours, enduring terrible heat, short rests, and thirst, — for 
this part of Virginia is but poorly supplied with good water, — and 
now even hunger could not delay the needed sleep. All night, the 
ambulances, with their ghastly loads, approached in long files from 
the front, and passed our bivouac toward Culpepper. By mutual 
consent the two armies had suspended hostilities until the ground 
could be cleared of its harvest of suffering, that another might rise 
where it stood the day before. 

There was no noisy reveille next morning, but silently we were 
aroused and began our preparations for the expected battle. Troops 
were moving in every direction, to their allotted places, trains of 
wagons that had accompanied our march were sent to the rear, 
among the lines of stacked arms the men were preparing their 
breakfast, and squads were hastening, burdened with canteens, to 
and from the ditches in our rear, where, plunged to the knee in 
mud, they disputed with the horses of the cavalry a portion of the 
precious water. 

Jackson had drawn back, on the morning of the loth, to Cedar 
Mountain, about two miles in front, too much weakened by the 
repulse of the night before to risk another attack, and our pickets 
had moved forward at daylight and occupied the field. All day, 
on the loth, the two armies had laid inactive, from fatigue and the 
intense heat, Jackson ready for an attack, and Pope awaiting the 
arrival of King, from Fredericksburg : and now, although his entire 
force was hardly equal to that of the enemy, Pope had determined, 
after giving us one night's rest, " to fall upon him at daylight on the 
1 2th, on his line of communication, and compel him to fight a battle 
which must be entirely decisive, one way or the other." 

But, to our disappointment, and the delight of those who felt 
the need of rest after our severe exertions of the three days past, 
news arrived of the sudden night retreat of the enemy across the 
Rapidan; and we were soon preparing our bivouac in the edge of 



2l6 CHRONICLES OF THE 

a wood near where we had passed the night. Hardly had we 
interposed the slight defense afforded by our worn shelter tents, 
when down came one of the most sudden and severe of those 
thunder-driven showers which rise so quickly and pass so soon in 
this hilly country, albeit they usually manage to discharge quite as 
much of their aqueous burden as the slower showers of the plains. 

Considerable foraging was done in the afternoon, and fresh 
beef, pork and mutton, were plentiful at every camp fire. Feasting 
on these and the green corn from the neighboring fields, cleaning 
arms and accoutrements, and sleeping: so passed the day. We 
were beginning to lose much of our interest in what was going on 
beyond the circle of our own observation, — to believe in and 
anticipate nothing but that which our eyes and ears made physically 
palpable, — to confine our attention to the immediate cares and 
events of the hour and place. This is the inevitable result of long 
months of alternation between excited anticipation and discouraging 
disappointment, the lot of every soldier, and which must, sooner or 
later, educate him into a stolid indifference to all but his own 
personal duties and surroundings. He learns that he is but a 
machine, an infinitesimal unit in the mass of power that moves but 
to work out a problem of which he knows not the key, of which he 
can but dimly see the bearings, though the result involves his own 
being in its success or failure. So he learns complete submission to 
the will that governs him, with the philosophical determination not 
to trouble himself about that which he can not control or foresee. 

On Wednesday, the 13th, we removed our camp to a hill-side, 
a mile farther back toward Culpepper. Three day's marching 
rations were still to be kept constantly on hand, and orders to march 
were hourly expected. Next day we were ordered to prepare for a 
review of the division by General Pope, our introduction to the new 
commander whom we had not yet seen. At ten o'clock the line was 
formed, in a field near the centre of the division, and, shortly, 
General Pope, followed by his staff, made his appearance. After 
the usual salute he rode along the lines, each regiment presenting 
arms, and each band striking up a welcome as he passed. Very 
little enthusiasm greeted his appearance, all seemed to study intently 
the man who was henceforth to wield our destinies, and few were 
inclined to take him on trust. One year before, it would not have 
been thus, but we had learned to wait for deeds, instead of relying 
upon promises. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 217 

I 

He completed his round ; for one instant he had met, eye to 
eye, the earnest looks of ten thousand strong- men, to whom, 
henceforth, his will was law, looks that sought in him somethino; 
upon which to place that fullness of confident reliance which is the 
commander's strongest hold upon the power he directs. 

Marching- in review, by battalions, colors dipping and officers 
saluting as we passed the position he had again taken in front, and 
then back to our camps, to compare notes and define our first 
impressions of General Pope. 

General Reno, with his division, numbering about 8,000 men, 
from Burnside's Corps, joined us the same day, and rumor heralded 
the approach of still further reinforcements from the same source, 
some believing that the entire corps was already on its way. Next 
day. General Banks mustered the survivors of Saturday's battle, to 
be reviewed by General Pope. Those who witnessed that .review 
describe it as a saddening sight. Decimated regiments, without a 
field officer left, companies numbering eight or ten files, and in 
command of non-commissioned officers, such were the apparent 
results of that bloody day. But how soon were such sights to 
become so common to us as to pass without remark ! 

Orders arrived that evening, to march at 8:30 next morning. 
Worn out clothing, shoes, tents and other equipments had been 
replaced, and the requisition was made none too soon, for many of 
us were in rags and badly shod, if so lucky as to be shod at all. 
The sick had been sent to the rear, and the indications seemed to 
point to an advance. Report said that Jackson was again advancing 
from the Rapidan, and that we might meet him near the ground of 
the previous battle. 

At the appointed hour our birgades were again in column and 
headed South. Previous to starting, however, our brigade was 
formed in close column, at half distance, the ist and 2d battalions 
faced by the rear rank, and General Patrick read an order, which 
had just been received from General Pope, explaining the intention 
of Order No. 5, and condemnatory of the abuses which had resulted 
from its misapplication. Our good General also gave us an order 
of his own, a " clincher " to the above, and in which he took even 
stronger ground ; and the grim satisfaction with which, in a few 
well-pointed remarks, he did justice to his feelings and the occasion, 
was intensely apparent. The very curl of his grizzled moustache 
seemed to say, " put that in your pipe and smoke it." And we all 
knew him too well to doubt the consequence of disobedience. 



21 8 CHRONICLES OI'' THE 

On this morning we lost our band. Just as we reached the 
Madison Turnpike, they turned back from their place at the head 
of the column, and passed to the rear with a light step, and 
satisfaction in their faces. An order had just arrived for their 
dismissal, and, hereatter, but one band would be allowed in each 
brigade. The boys looked with anger and regret upon this 
deprivation of one of the dearest of their few remaining comforts, 
and our adieux to those who had so often contributed a sweet relief 
to the tedium of camp life were more energetic than courteous. We 
did not blame them ; the inducements that prompted their enlistment 
with us no longer held their power in the face of danger. The 
position of a non-combatant on the field is not an enviable one ; still 
we resented their eagerness to depart. Not a single farewell strain 
could the poor fellows stop to give us, like a flint their faces were 
set northward, and we saw them no more. 

With them departed half the remaining romance of our lives. 
No more stirring strains to rouse from morning slumbers, no more 
when the weary march was beginning to tell upon the strongest 
should some well remembered quickstep carry back the roused 
intelligence, to dwell upon happier days, and cause us to forget our 
fatigue ; no more sweet echoes play among the hills, as we watched 
the sunset, or gathered around the evening camp-fires ; no more 
" sounds from home" launch our weary spirits into dreamland as 
we drew our blankets between us and the stars. 

Our line of march was along the Orange Court House Road, 
which leads to the right of Cedar Mountain, and the scene of the 
direst of that day's struggle. After crossing Cedar Run, where it 
trails along the edge of the forest, and rising the slope in front, the 
bare brow of the mountain, where the enemy had planted his 
heaviest batteries, sweeping, with a resistless storm of iron, the plain 
below, came in sights We passed the trodden corn fields, on the 
left, where Geary fought so bravely, and the wheat fields on the 
right, with their scattered and broken sheaves, dark with the blood 
of the wounded whose bed they had been, and the long dark lines 
of fresh earth above the trenches, where slept others who should 
" never waken to glory again " (and why should they who sleep so 
gloriously ?) the thousand braves who fell from the ranks of 
Crawford and Gordon, in the three desperate charges against 
yonder wooded ridge. The fence which bounds the upper edge of 
this field, like all those that remain, is torn and spattered with 
bullets. Here our own brave 28th struggled as if for very life. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 219 

actually carrying with its unsupported line the fence, with its swarm 
of equally brave defenders, driving; them at the very point of the 
bayonet, back into the wood, until the impetuous force of their 
charge was mastered by the fearful odds, and, like a rock-broken 
wave, they swept back, leaving direful wreck-tokens upon that 
beach of death. In the woods, the countless shallow graves, with 
their occupants sometimes half exposed in ghastly unseemliness, as 
though earth grudged the poor remains their scant covering, 
attested the handiwork of our veterans, and the cost of that position 
to the enemy. Torn and bloody clothing, blue and gray, littered 
the ground, and the trees were scarred and barked and splintered 
by shot and shell. 

Right and left we pass silently the sleeping dead. Peace to 
their ashes. Here shall our children come in happier days, and 
weep above them, and strew with flowers the consecrated earth. 
No need of granite shaft or sculptured marble to mark this spot. A 
nation's grateful memory is their more enduring monument, and 
History, as she writes the story of their unselfish sacrifice, shall blot 
the page with tears. They died not in vain. No ! for the martyr's 
crown is that endurance which turns not back from death though 
the gate be of fire, and its brightest jewel is the sacrifice of self, 
for right. 

That day the army encamped on both flanks of the mountain 
to await the approach of Jackson. Our position was just at its foot, 
our corps holding the centre of the line ; with Sigel on our right, 
his right resting on Robertson's River ; Reno on our left, his left 
near the Rapidan ; and Banks, with his mutilated divisions, in 
reserve at Culpepper. In this position we lay until August 19th, 
hourly expecting the order to prepare for action, and vainly 
endeavoring to comprehend the reason of the delay, though quite 
content to rest while we might. 

On the morning succeeding, our advance, our regiment marched 
up the mountain and occupied the site I have mentioned as the 
position of the rebel batteries. It was immediately in front of and 
around the residence of Philip Slaughter, a Virginian clergyman, a 
man of substance and family, and who had here surrounded himself, 
in a spot nature had made beautiful, with all that taste and comfort 
could demand, doubtless expecting to pass quietly, and in peace, the 
evening of a well-spent life. 

Vain hope. His political position had been regarded with 
jealous eyes by the rampant faction with whom he could not cast 



220 CHRONICLES OF THE 

his undivided sympathies, the occupation of a prominent office in 
the Virginia Colonization Society had drawn upon him the stigma 
of aboHtionism, and the final blow had culminated during that phase 
of the struggle between right and wrong which had transpired in 
full view of his own threshold. We found the mansion deserted, 
except by marauding squads of soldiers, who were appropriating 
what they chose from the general wreck. 

These were dispersed, and our Colonel immediately established 
it as his headquarters. The house had been gutted from roof to 
cellar, and an attempt made to fire it, which failed in the haste of 
the retreat. Fragments of a splendid library littered the grounds 
around, with the remains of a thousand househoki treasures. The 
collection must have been the work of more than one life time, 
judging from the stray leaves of rare and almost priceless works 
that made the ground white for rods around. In one corner of the 
yard the cavalry had apparently bedded their horses with these 
remains. Among them I found a number of engravings from a large 
folio in the Italian ; a history and minute description of the Vatican, 
copies from the undying works of Angelo, Rafaelle and the many 
immortals to whom that structure owes its brightest treasures, 
defaced, torn, but still with enough of their original beauty to make 
them treasures to me. They went, with many another valued relic, 
and my hoard of sketches, when we were ordered to throw off our 
knapsacks on that disastrous retreat of the following days. 

The ground around was ploughed deeply in many places by 
the answering fire directed against this spot. I was surprised at the 
quantity of unexploded shell lying in every direction, and which 
had evidently been fired from our guns. Most of them were the 
improved " percussion " shell, and had not struck in a proper 
manner to explode. 

To gather theqa up and put them out of the way of accident, 
was one of our first cares. A needless precaution it came near 
being, in one case. A couple of the irrepressible sons of Ham had 
converted a small pile of them into an impromptu fire-place, and 
were preparing to make their coffee. A few minutes more, and the 
"bone of contention " would have been less by a trifle, when a 
soldier happened on the scene of action, and took in " the situation " 
at a glance. 

" What are you doing with those shell? " 

" Dem shells, sah? Gwine to make a fiah, sah ! Dem shell 
done used up, I reckon." 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 221 

When informed, in terms more forcible than choice, that a 
single spark applied to one of those exposed fuses, \vould 
considerably hasten their anticipated expedition to "Canaan," "or 
words to that effect," they turned pale, almost, and abandoned that 
base of operations with commendable haste, thus declaring their 
preference of the "overland route" to a short cut in the direction 
referred to. 

We pitched our tents upon a kind of natural terrace in fr'ont of 
the mansion, the finest camping ground it had yet been our lot to 
occupy. Below us spread like a map the scene of the late battle, 
to the far East the eye swept a boundless expanse of undulating, 
forest tufted country, while Northward, and to the West, the dim, 
cloudlike ranges of the Blue Ridge and Bull Run Mountains, with 
here and there a sharply defined peak standing out boldly by itself, 
bounded the vision. The landscape was heavenly in its beauty, 
most so at sunset, when the Western sky, blazoned with glory, tinted 
the woods and hills, and masses of brown and gray shadow relieved 
the outline of rocky piles with their matchless broidery of foliage, 
and nestled softly in the valleys, while but for the lines of blue, and 
glittering steel, visible here and there upon the plain, and the tap 
of drum and scream of fife at " retreat," nothing told of war and 
carnage, and all was serenely and gloriously beautiful. 

There we passed a few pleasant days, enjoying the deceitful 
calm, regardless of what it presaged. This was one of the green 
spots in our desert, one of those pages in the record of every 
soldier, where memory turns down the leaf, and to which in 
retrospective moments we all love to turn back. For this was one 
ot the last of our camping places before death moved many a good 
comrade to his last bivouac. 

By the morning of the i8th of August, General Pope became 
satisfied that nearly the whole force of the 'enemy from Richmond 
was assembled in his front, along the South side of the Rapidan, 
and extending from Raccoon Ford to Liberty Mills. Our cavalry 
had captured, on the i6th, near Louisa Court House, the Adjutant 
General of the rebel Stuart, who himself narrowly escaped. Among 
the papers taken was an autograph letter of General Robert Lee, to 
General Stuart, dated Gordonsville, August 15th, which manifested 
the position and force of the enemy, and their determination to fall 
upon and overwhelm us before any portion of McClellan's peninsular 
army could reinforce us. 



222 CHRONICLES OF THE 

On the i8th, it became apparent to General Pope, that this 
advanced position with the small force under his command, was no 
longer tenable, in the face of the overwhelming forces of the enemy, 
and he determined, accordingly, to withdraw behind the 
Rappahannock with all speed, and, as he had been instructed, to 
defend as far as practicable the line, of that river. 

Clouds of dust, rising above the forests on our left, had told us 
on that morning of a movement among Reno's forces ; but we little- 
thought that the retreat from this blood bought position had already 
begun. At that moment his trains were already on their way to 
the Rappahannock, while his whole corps, with the exception of the 
cavalry left at Raccoon Ford to cover the movement, would soon 
follow. During the day, rumors of the intended retreat, rumors 
which had been idly circulating for days past, but which no one 
cared to believe, gained credit ; and finally, when we learned that 
General Banks had already dispatched his trains (by way of 
Brandy Station), and that ours of the third division were preparing 
to follow them, all doubt was at an end. Then we were ordered to 
prepare for a forced march, knapsacks were packed, everything 
superfluous rejected, rations of hard bread and coffee stowed away 
in our haversacks, with a trifling quantity of bacon, and it only 
remained to strike and pack the tents In the warmth of the 
summer afternoon the men stood in little groups discussing the news 
of the hour, or wandered aimlessly around the spot soon to be 
relinquished to the foe, or hurried to the spring for a last supply of 
fresh water. At last came the tap of the drum and the bugle call 
for parade, and, while the lines was being formed, came the order 
to "strike tents;" already the troops were gathering in masses at 
the foot and rear of the mountain, awaiting the hour when the trains 
should be safely in the distance, to take the same route. 

Slowly down the mountain side, in the full blaze of the setting 
sun our column took its way, then halted, closed up in column by 
division, stacked arms, and settled down upon the plain to wait for the 
darkness. The sun went down in what seemed a broken mountain 
of fire, with a sea of blood at its foot, and then darkness hid the 
horizon, and the hills, and the woods ; and we could only hear the 
hum of the thousands overlying the plain. 

Soon a camp fire twinkles in the distance, then another, and 
another, and now they multiply as though a detachment of vagrant 
stars, wandering inland from the horizon, were making their bivouac 
with us. And now they cover the plain as far as the eye can reach. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 223 

the more distant glimmering dimly through the smoke, which lifts 
lazily in the damp night air ; men magnified into shadowy giants 
pass and repass before them, and phantom horsemen seem to stalk 
between. 

Near us, in an orchard, barrels of salt beef stands where they 
were unloaded, the wagons have gone, and we help ourselves, for 
what we leave will fall into the hands of those whom we do not care 
to feed. Over some of the fires are huge kettles, brought from the 
neighboring farm houses, and around others are groups of men, 
watching their tin cups, in which a savory morsel is boiling and 
steaming, and slowly attaining a condition of gastronomic 
practicability. Others are making coffee, and along the line of 
stacked muskets, with knapsacks for pillows,- and swathed in blankets 
begemmed with fallen dew, lie rows of sleepers, dreamless as those 
whose covering is the emerald sod. But many are sleepless, for 
the hour seems mgide for thought, and coming events perhaps cloud 
not a few of the dark faces around these fires ; others beguile the 
hour with song and jest, but chiefly song ; and what so likely as 
that the singers should choose old themes, fragments from many 
past happy hours, and that many a soldier listener should silently 
turn his face from the light, with something upon his cheek heavier 
than the night dew. How many of us will look back to this, as the 
last social hour passed with some one who watches by no more 
earthly camp fires ! 

At twelve, a scarcely apparent stir passed like a wave across 
the fields ; there is a subdued bustle as of preparation, and the 
lowering fires flare up brightly. The retreat has begun. The fires 
are replenished and multiplied to deceive the wary watchers who 
may chance to be in our front, * and silently as possible, " left in 
front," the column begins to form and move away into the darkness. 
The sleepers are roused from under the stacks with a few judicious 
kicks and shakes, and rise to their places without a question. But 
our time is not yet come, so again we stack arms, and lie down. All 
night men are rising by regiments, and moving silently and swittly 
to their place in the line and passing to the rear, and when the 
morning dawns they are not yet all gone. So we cook our 
breakfast, and eat it, and smoke, and lie around, and make ourselves 



* We afterwards learned that the advance guard of the enemy, took our brightening fires and 
other demonstrations, for the signs of an intended advance against them, and immediately fell back 
five miles to a stronger position. To this fact we owe the accomplishment of the unmolested retreat 
of the main force to our new line. 



224 



CHRONICLES OF THE 



as comfortable as though we were not a rear guard, waiting for the 
Hne to get out. of our way, and a hot-footed enemy coming 
somewhere between us and the sun. 

At about nine o'clock, we again fall in, sling knapsacks, " take " 
arms, and bid good-bye to Cedar Mountain. 




TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 225 



CHAPTER XII. 



A weary march. — Night, and a halt. — No postponement on account of the weather. — Behind the 
Rappahannock. — The Buffalo at bay. — Battle of the 21st of August. — (niarding fords by 
night. — A demoralized contraband. — March to Warrenton. 



THIS was Tuesday, and the 19th day of August, on which we 
took our place in the rear of our cUvision, and followed on 
toward the Rappahannock. Weariness, trial and suffering were 
before us ; all knew it and husbanded their resources. And behind, 
grim and relentless as fate, we knew the rebel hordes were already 
on our trail, and eager for our destruction. 

A short rest, just before we reached Culpepper, the canteens 
were filled, and then we waited while Sigel's corps, which had 
followed in our rear thus far, passed on, to take a different route, as 
we soon discovered, thus leaving us the extreme rear guard 
of our own. * 

Again the knapsacks were resumed, and for the remainder 01 
the day, and most of the succeeding night, we did not again lay 
them down. No halts were allowed, except when some obstruction 
checked the speed of the line, far in our front, and caused a few 
minutes delay, during which we sometimes got a breathing spell ; 
but these were rather spoiled by the necessity which immediately 
followed, of increasing our speed for some distance, until the column 
was again closed up. Evening approached, but no halt. Still we 
plodded wearily along, our knapsacks growing heavier with each 
step, until it seemed as though the tired feet could no longer bear 
their weight, and hunger began to gnaw at our strength ; but still 
no halt. Again the stars came out and looked down through the 



*Reno had taken the Stevensburg road, by which he came, and which led him back to Kelly's 
Ford, some six miles below the railroad crossing. Sigel, after following us to Culpepper, took the 
Warrentown Road to the White Sulphur Springs crossing, six miles above the railroad. Banks' corps 
had preceded ours by way of Brandy Station, and thus it was that ours became the'rear guard of the 
line. Bayard's Cavalry alone remained to cover the rear guard, but this we did not discover inttil 
next day. 



226 CHRONICLES OF THE 

trees, as we threaded the forest of pines, and the cool air of ni^dit 
helped to eke out the last remnant of our energies, as we still moved 
on, some staggering- like drunken men, and all nearly at the point 
where duty and habit alike succumb to physical necessity. 

Finally, near midnight, after a succession of abrupt halts and 
ineffectual efforts to keep the line closed up, we filed off by 
companies upon the grass by the roadside, and were told that we 
would be allowed a short time for rest, while the right of the line 
should cross the river. 

I have a faint recollection of an order to stack arms, but no one 
could obey. For myself I can only say that I shall never forget the 
intense effort that accomplished those last few steps out of the road, 
or the blissful relief in allowing, all at once, every muscle to relax 
to its utmost, as I sank upon my musket, — my loosened knapsack 
falling by chance just beneath my head, — and resigned myself to 
oblivion. Had my grave yawned there I must have fallen just so, 
and my sleep could not have been deeper. 

We might have lain thus for an hour, — it could not have been 
much longer, — when the bugle sounded the " fall in," but it might 
as well have been blown in a grave-yard. Here and there, indeed, 
an officer whose ruling passion, duty, proved strong even in sleep, 
arose dreamily, distributed a few inconsequent kicks and incoherent 
curses, which might as well have been expended upon so many 
logs, and then, like a sensible man, settled himself with a grunt for 
another nap. It was of no use. A pursuing army might have 
broken their shins over our prostrate bodies, and we should have 
been none the wiser. So the bugler went to sleep again, and it was 
not until the gray of the dawn that we at last arose, satisfied and 
refreshed, and drenched with the chilly officiousness of the 
night dew. 

We fell in, without waiting to breakfast ; for no supplies could 
be got this side the river, and, except a ration of coffee, and perhaps 
a few hard-tack, our haversacks were empty. It was not far, and 
by sunrise we had reached our position behind the bluff at 
Rappahannock Station, the rations were drawn and distributed, and 
we broke our long fast. 

There, within a mile around us, lay the different divisions, 
crowded together in what seemed inextricable confusion; for, in the 
hurry of the arrival, and with the necessity of interposing the river 
between us and our officious friend General Lee, little attention had 
been paid to proper groupinij. And we were none too soon. 



TVVENTV-FIRST REGIMENT. 227 

The last of our brigades has just crossed, and the cavalry, 
Bayard's detachment from one of the Ira Harris regiments, make 
their appearance, emerging from a belt of wood not more than a 
mile away. A few scattering shots are heard. Suddenly they 
wheel, and their sabres flash in the sun as with a wild yell they go 
charging back. A rattling discharging of carbines, and then 
another line appears in the smoky front of the wood, and rapidly 
bears down to meet them. 

By this time the high bluffs which shelter our position, are 
quite crowded with eager lookers on. It is a glorious sight. We 
have hardly time to realize that those are really our long expected 
foes, that it is all in earnest, and not one of those sham charges with 
which our division drills at Bailey's last year made us familiar, and 
which it so much resembles, when, with a shock and a clash thuy 
meet. We can not see much of what follows for the confusion is 
dire ; but sabres flash in the smoke, and, here and there, a riderless 
horse gallops away ; and one line has turned back: — it is not ours, 
— and the trees hide the rest, except a few dismounted men limping 
away or being helped upon a comrade's saddle. 

They returned, not long after, covered with dust, and their tired 
horses showing unmistakable marks of the severe service they had 
done during the last forty-eight hours. It had been necessary to 
repeat this manouvre of charging and falling back, many times, to 
check the enemy's advance, and give our tired footmen time to 
reach this shelter. And now our pickets were drawn in, the cavalry 
crossed the bridge, and, at last, the entire army had, without severe 
loss, reached its new line of defense. * 

That day, August 20th, was passed in disposing the troops 
regularly and to the best advantage. It was desirable that the 
Rappahannock should be held as long as possible, to gain time for 
the troops coming up the Potomac to join us, and particularly those 
coming by way of Aquia Creek and Fredericksburg, who would be 
liable to be cut off, should we give up the river before their arrival. 

The Rappahannock, says Pope's report, above the mouth of 
the Rapidan, is an inconsiderable stream, and fordable at most 
seasons, e\'ery few miles. The third corps loursj was posted at and 
above the railroad bridge, which had been so arranged as to serve 
for artillery and cavalry. 



*Our regiment lost one man, Joseph Alexander, of Company " K," killed on the 19th, by the 
upsetting of one of the wagons. He was buriea on the spot. 



228 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Sigel's corps was on our right, and Banks and Reno occupied 
the lett, the extent of the whole line, at the time, being about six miles. 
All the strong positions were held by our batteries, with heavy 
supports of "infantry, and, along the river, the pickets of the two 
armies grimly regarded each other across the narrow stream. By 
night-fall, it became apparent that the whole rebel army was 
swarming in the woods beyond, and preparing, like ourselves, for a 
day of severe trial. 

Just at sunset we were ordered to fall in, and marched about a 
mile north of the station, to our place in line. It was about half a 
mile from the river, and a few belts of wood and low hills were 
between, where lay some of our batteries, in sheltered positions, 
ready to wheel into their places and belch destruction upon any 
hostile approach, at a mom-ent's notice. 

Next morning, August 21st, we were ready by sunrise, with a 
good breakfast of bacon, hard-tack and coffee, stowed away under 
our belts, and a hundred rounds of cartridges to each man. 

Just in our front was a ford, called, I think, " Newman's," and 
the first above the railroad crossing. A battery and a regiment of 
infantry from Banks' corps had been sent to guard this on the 
evening before. There, about day-break, the enemy made his first 
attack. The battery was disabled, and, with its supporting force, 
driven back by the fury of the onset, the enemy gaining the woods 
and a corn field in our immediate front. At this moment we were 
ordered forward. We had heard the firing, but were totally 
ignorant of the fact that the enemy had crossed the river, until, 
emerging from a wood which had masked our advance, a troop of 
cavalry, and a battery, showed themselves momentarily, hurrying 
across an opening in our front, the cavalry to cover, and the guns 
destined to take position in the corn field I have mentioned. Our 
regiment had advanced unsupported thus far, and now formed in 
line of battle, fronting the apparent position of the enemy. Hardly 
was this accomplished when it was discovered that the wood on 
our right was also full of dismounted cavalry, threatening an attack 
on our flank. 

Back, through the woods again, and, while forming line for the 
second time Colonel Rogers received orders to support a battery 
which had taken position upon our left. * It was necessary to cross 
a meadow to reach the position, and while doing this the enemy 

* Reynolds'. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 229 

opened upon us with musketry from the wood where the right of 
our first line had rested, but at too long range to do much 
execution ; although the first ball narrowly missed our Colonel, who 
had not dismounted^ and then passed through the colors. Hardly 
had we reached our place in rear of the guns when the cannonade 
became furious. The shell screamed through the air over our 
heads, striking almost invariably just in rear of the slope upon which 
we lay, or tore long furrows between our lines, throwing up the 
earth and sending their fragments whistling above us in a most 
uncomfortable manne;r. One struck among a group of stretcher 
bearers who were hurrying after the ambulances, as they sought a 
sheltered position, and the ground and lofty tumbling that 
immediately followed was intensely amusing, especially as no one 
was injured. 

I know of no more severe introduction to field service than that 
we were just then experiencing. In the rush and whirl of the 
charge, or the more slow and steady advance of the skirmish line, 
or even in standing where the fast thinning ranks hold their place in 
the face of the rattling musketry, and the bullets sing around the 
ears, suggesting swarms of angry bees blindly seeking a victim, 
there is infinitely more of danger ; but the excitement of active 
participation hides it from the soldier. Not so when he -lies, 
exposed, and with nothing to do but to listen to the horrid rush of 
shot and shell, waiting with the expectation that the next one will 
want to make a path just where he lies. 

But soon there is relief for a few of us. The enemy's 
sharp-shooters in the cover of the woods have got near enough to 
begin picking off our gunners. One ball narrowly misses a little 
group among the guns, our good old General, Colonel Rogers, and 
Colonel Lord of the 35th, striking, and instantly killing the horse 
of the latter officer. Oeneral Patrick cooly turns and calls for 
"some of the boys who are good marksmen " to come up to the 
fence in front and try to pick off" some of those fellows." Half the 
regiment are instantly on their feet, but only a few can be sent from 
each company. At the same moment Captain Layton is ordered 
out with his own company, " K," and " H ; " the latter under 
Lieutenant Minnery, Captain Hayward having been sent to hospital, 
from Fredericksburg. These two companies deploy immediately 
by the right flank, and the long snaky looking line disappears in 
the woods. 



230 CHRONICLES OF THE 

The scene grows more and more exciting as the hour wears on, 
and we get accustomed to the situation. The fence is lined with 
those of the boys who hked the fun of practicing- at animated targets, 
even with the slight drawback occasioned by the necessity of 
caution in its indulgence. Some are interestedly watching the effect 
of the shot fired from that section of the battery in our immediate 
Iront, and others run with cartridges from the caissons. 

About noon the rebels, beginning to find their quarters too hot, 
suddenly limber up and make for the river, leaving two pieces, or 
rather their fragments, as evidences of the accuracy of our practice. 
Our line is shifted to the woods on our right again, and the cooks 
who have been waiting for a lull in the melee, bring up kettles of 
boiled beef, upon which we make a hearty dinner, with a dessert 
from the huckleberry bushes among which we are lying. All the 
while the batteries across the river are sending random shots 
whistling and crackling among the trees, but none of them fall 
near us. 

At about two p. M. we are ordered down to the river again, to 
oppose an expected attempt of the enemy to cross a second time. 
Layton and Minnery, with their little line of skirmishers have been 
doing nobly, as we shall shortly see, and now we hasten to join 
them, where, ranged along the fence of the corn field skirting the 
river, they hotly contest the possession of the ford. 

The Twenty-Third and ours occupy each a side of ravine, the 
foot of which is the threatened point, and protected by what I may 
call, the shoulders of the ridge, on either side, from the enemy's 
sharp-shooters. Our own are still exchanging the courtesies ot 
warfare with these all along our right, and, occasionally, some 
grayback who has a secure berth in a commanding tree top, sends 
a reminder of his good will whistling among our heads, upon which 
we all bow, very politely, if not with dignity, the latter being 
entirely unnecessary on these occasions, though some fellows will 
persist in the most ludicrous efforts to maintain it. 

Our position here soon became anything but comfortable. 
Several batteries were brought to bear, and, in trying to get our 
range, swept the ravine with a perfect shower of projectiles. 
Several attempts were made to carry the ford under cover of them, 
but each succeeded only in clogging the shallow stream with the 
victims of our sharp-shooters, who were jealously watching it. 

About dusk General Patrick discovered that the enemy were 
planting a battery in a position to rake us with murderous effect, 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 23I 

and immediately gave the order to fall back to the position we 
occupied in the morning. As we rose to obey, the battery opened 
fire, with such precision as to plant two or three shell apparently in 
the very midst of the Twenty-Third, who were moving in double 
column to the rear up a slope of about thirty rods, cutting one man 
in two and wounding many. We were more fortunate. With that 
calm readiness of conception which accompanied his perfect 
comprehension of the bearings of any emergency, however sudden, 
a quality which can not be too much admired, and which won the 
entire confidence of his men, Colonel Rogers determined, instead of 
moving directly to the rear, to make a flank movement so as to 
retain the shelter of the ridge until we could reach that of the 
woods on our right, which ran across the rear of the ravine. We were 
in double column at half distance, the center division being in front, 
and it was necessary to deploy so as to expose but its width of four 
files, while we marched by the right of the column. But to deploy, 
the first regular movement of the manouvre, would have been to 
expose the whole left wing to the enemy's fire. All this passed 
through every mind in a second of time. But we were in the hands 
of a man equal to the occasion. 

Battalion, fight face, fortvard viarch ! — The regiment moved 
in this order perhaps fifty paces, when the Colonel gave the 
command : — Right companies, by file right , left companies follow in 
their order — and, marching by the flank, in five minutes more we 
were in the iViendly shelter of the woods, not a man scratched. 

It was one of those inspirations which come only with the 
pressure of dire necessity, when the brain is strong enough to 
sustain its poise and look the dilemma calmly in the face. It is laid 
down in no military work, and might never be appropriate again : 
it belonged to the time, the place and the man. Even General 
McDowell, who saw it from the distance, clapped his hands and 
exclaimed "well done,"* a great deal for him to say in the way of 
commendation, as those who know him well will testify 

Thus ended the first engagement in which we had participated, 
as a regiment, and not perhaps without some credit to the 
Twenty-First, though it was but a farce to what we were destined 
to see. Owing in part to good fortune and partly, perhaps 
principally, to skillful handling, we had come oft" without the loss of 



•So says Captain Craig Wadsworth, then on McDowell's staff. 



232 CHRONICLES OF THE 

a man ; though other regiments, no more exposed than we, suffered 
severely. 

That night we lay upon our arms in supporting distance of the 
picket at the ford, which might be again threatened under cover of 
the darkness. Without blankets, in the mud to our ankles, and in a 
cold misty rain, we passed a most uncomfortable night, although so 
fatigued, with the exertions of the day, as to find rest and even 
sound sleep, exposed thus to the pouring rain and with but a few 
rails from the fence to keep us from smothering in the mud. 

About nine, companies " H " and " K " came in and joined us, 
and we learned the details of their work. After deploying, they 
had moved to the right for about a mile, and then, facing to the 
front, and wheeling somewhat to the leit, the line moved down upon 
the wood before mentioned as the cover of the cavalry, who had 
dismounted and were acting as sharp-shooters. A quick and 
determined advance soon cleared the wood, the butternuts mounting 
their horses and retreating across the meadows toward their battery. 
"Jabe" Valentine of " K," took one prisoner. He had got in 
advance of the line in his hurry, and "winged" the fellow by 
bringing down his horse; collared him, and led him to the rear. 
Pushing forward to the meadow, a few volleys were exchanged, and 
then our boys charged again, as the cavalry made for the ford, and 
reached the edge of the corn field just in time to see the battery 
leaving the other side. Along this corn field, on the edge of the 
river, they had been skirmishing all the rest of the day, with 
immense advantage in position and severely punishing every effort 
of the enemy against this point. 

No attempt was made to cross, that night, for which we have 
probably to thank the weather. Stretching our stiffened limbs at 
daybreak, we prepared our coffee, and had barely swallowed it 
when we were again hurried away, to support some batteries planted 
upon what seemed hastily constructed earthworks, farther to the 
right and front of our ground of the preceding day. The ball had 
opened again with renewed and increased fury, the gunners ot both 
armies seeming determined to revenge the discomforts of the night 
upon each other. The shell were already flying hotly around us, 
when we were met with orders to return to our tents, as fresh troops 
had been sent to relieve us. Still we retired slowly, and I observed 
that the wary watching and dodging of the day before was nearly 
forgotten ; the men looking almost with indifference upon the solid 
shot and shell that came ricocheting along the ground. Their 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 233 

experience of the day before, had convinced them of the uncertainty 
of artillery firing- at long range, and they had gained proportionately 
in confidence, the chance of being hit seeming about one in a 
hundred, or even less ; a fact which soon reassures even novices. 

We were very glad to reach our shelter tents again, and 
resigned ourselves to the enjoyment of plentiful coffee, pork and 
hard-tack, with complete unmindfulness of the fact that battle was 
raging with increased clamor, so near that an occasional shell fell 
even among the tents, and were hissing and cracking anywhere and 
everywhere, with a most reprehensible carelessness on the part of 
their projectors, and throwing dirt about in a most abandoned and 
provoking manner. One little incident in connection with this 
subject is worth mentioning, being the cause of no little fun among 
the lookers on. 

A supernumerary darkey, making himself useful about camp, 
was " toting " a box of hard-tack on his head toward the cook-fire 
of one of the companies, when a sly joker of a shell came with a 
horrible screech, knocking the box in splinters, and scattering the 
crackers like a pack of cards in a gale of wind. For one awful 
moment the horror stricken Clem stood irresolute, then suddenly 
turned and fled 

" As who pursued with yell and blow, 
Still treads the shadow of his foe, 
And forward bends his head," 

and the last we saw of him he was still marking time in the dim 
distance, the tail of his government coat erect at an angle of 
forty-five degrees with his shoulders, and frantically flourishing a 
fragment, which had remained in his hand, of the demolished 
cracker box. 

During the day several men were injured, and I saw our 
surgeons, Wilcox and Peters, busy at their post; doing their best 
for whoever came. All through the day before, these men, 
belonging to a class than which none can point to a brighter record 
of brave and self-sacrificing deeds, had exposed themselves with 
us, ready to give instant succor to any poor fellow who might 
require it. 

In the afternoon Burnside passed our rear, to the right, with 
his long train of heavy siege guns. Banks was reported to have it 
all his own way on the left, and the movement of columns visible 
from the high ground in front, and lines of dust rising above the 



234 CHRONICLES OF THE 

trees, across the river, seemed to indicate that the enemy, faiUng to 
beat us back at this point, was moving to turn our right. Next day 
this became evident. The firing had ahnost ceased, except at 
desultory intervals, when it would rage furiously fi-om point to point 
along the line, for a short time, and then die away. It was apparent 
that the greater part of the enemy's force was withdrawn from our 
front, and when, at ten o'clock, orders came for a forced march, no 
one was surprised. 

The enemy had already crossed at ^Sulphur Springs, some six 
miles above, and was rapidly moving on Warrenton ; and, unless we 
could succeed in again heading him off, the result could not but be 
serious. It was a sultry day, and a rain storm of the preceding 
night did not at all tend to improve the road ; like all others in this 
part of Virginia, a mere bed of sticky clay after every shower. We 
were short of rations, too, and not a few had been content, perforce, 
with coffee alone at the morning meal. But we were assured that 
beef had been drawn, and was being cooked for marching rations, 
and would overtake us somewhere on the road. Sure enough we 
passed old Craig, the Quartermaster's factotum, and a general 
favorite, about a mile back, busy over their kettles ; but not a 
morsel of the savory contents did we get until late that night, and it 
has always been a wonder to me how even our experienced Craig 
ever got through the hungry hosts in our rear, with his precious 
charge. 

I think this was one of the hardest day's marches we ever 
experienced. General Sigel, now, by our change of front, in 
advance, was to have intercepted the enemy ; but, for some reason 
had not been able to come up with them, until they had crossed the 
river at the Sulphur Springs. Where we might meet their cavalry 
was a question not yet solved, and once when we had marched 
perhaps six miles, we were met with rumors of their near approach, 
and prepared to receive them. This proved a false alarm ; but we 
took the occasion to rest, and fill our canteens. The scramble for 
water, where the supply happened to be limited, was always a lively 
one. First, a rush for the bucket, which was sent clattering to the 
cool bottom, while an eager, thirsty crowd elbowed and clawed for 
the best place, and gloated over the limpid coolness as it rose 
sparkling nearer and nearer, until, seized by a dozen hands at once, 
a score of tin cups would clash above it, some getting a little of the 
precious nectar, only to have it distributed like a shower of 
diamonds by the unlucky elbow of some half choked comrade, and 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 235 

the more fortunate running aside to decant the priceless cupful, and 
again rush in for more. And the bucket is dragged back and forth 
in the swaying crowd, now upon the ground and again overhead, as 
all essay to secure a share until it is empty, and the scene is 
repeated. 

The officers are usually too tired to interpose, but often do I 
remember seeing the lamented Hayward, himself as tired as any, 
patiently standing at the windlass, dealing out a cupful to each 
soldier, and thus supplying a large number in half the time that a 
single squad would have consumed in the way I have described. 
But this was ended by the bugle summons to fall in, and again we 
hurried on. The day grew hotter as the sun approached meridian, 
and many fell out by the road side, too much exhausted to march a 
step farther. Threats and force were of no avail ; hungry, thirsty 
and tired out, they doggedly sat down and were left behind. Some 
were picked up by the ambulances, and those who only needed a 
little rest were left to overtake us while we halted for the night. 

A heavy thunder storm, soon after noon, drenched us 
completely, and rendered the roads almost impassable ; the soft 
clay kneading up, under our feet, and the wheels of the artillery 
and wagon trains, until each government shoe represented almost 
a cubic foot of the sacred soil. 

Almost as completely used up as when we halted that first 
night on the Rappahannock, we entered Warrentown at dark ; 
cautiously, as we were the advance guard of the column. Our 
bivouac that night was upon a sort of common, near the Warren 
Green Hotel, which was made the headquarters of the corps, being 
occupied immediately by the Generals and their staff. No fires 
were allowed, as the enemy were supposed to be near, Fitzhugh 
Lee's cavalry having left the town just in advance of our arrival. 
They had made a successful raid as Jar as Catlett's, destroying some 
of the supply trains and capturing about one hundred prisoners, 
together with General Pope's personal baggage. 

Our own supply trains had been dispatched in that direction, 
and our last rations were exhausted. Late at night the Quarter- 
master's carts came up with the beef promised in the morning, and 
about half a pound was dealt out to each man. A better Quarter- 
master than ours never issued rations, and we fared better on this 
occasion than most of our neighbors ; so there was little grumbling, 
and crawling under our shelter tents, " out of the wet," we forgot 
our troubles. 



236 CHRONICLES OF THE 

No rations were to be had next morning, and we must await the 
arrival of a train from Warrenton Junction. A large force had been 
at work on the railroad all night, and supplies might arrive over 
this route by noon ; so in the meantime we foraged. Few were so 
fortunate as to get any thing better than green corn, hardly safe diet 
for men hungry as we, although there was little danger of our 
getting too much of even that. So we boiled, and roasted, and 
gnawed it, in defiance of colic, which, after all, could not be much 
worse than our condition of semi-starvation. 

About nine, we received orders to move forward in the direction 
of Sulphur Springs. I must admit that the preparations were made 
with considerable grumbling, but we drew the buckles of our waist 
belts a couple of holes tighter than usual, and when fairly under 
way and threading the streets of the rebel city, we forgot our 
grievanaces and put on our best faces for the edification of the 
inhabitants, especially the fair portion thereof, who could not resist 
peeping at the lines of good looking " Yanks " who were filing past. 
So we struck up "John Brown's body," and the song was caught 
up, and flew from rank to rank until the whole city re-echoed the 
refrain, 

" Glory, Glory, Hallelujah ! 
His soul goes marching on." 

While in the course of the song we melodiously declared our 
stern intention of suspending Jefi". Davis from a "sour apple tree," 
we happened to be just in front of a parsonage, and the expression 
of intense disgust in every lineament of a gray- headed butternut 
who stood at the door, was intensely funny. Still I must condemn 
the disrespectful remarks with which some of our rough diamonds 
greeted the venerable F. F. V. Quoting from the immortal Doe- 
sticks, they called him "lemons," and told him to "go in" (which 
he didn't do), also interrogating him as to the price of skulls in the 
Richmond market, whether his last consignment paid well, and 
whether he wouldn't like a fresh Yankee for breakfast; upon which 
the fine old fellow's nose suddenly assumed such an altitude that 
we seriously apprehended he wouldn't be able to shut his mouth 
for a week. 

As far as we could form an opinion from our observations, the 
citizens were all sympathizers with the rebel cause, many of them 
Irankly admitting as much. However, in the main, they were wise 
and courteous enough to refrain from any demonstrations of their 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 237 

ill will, although a few of those whose sex bars all retaliation to 
petty insults, seemed to forget themselves, in emulation perhaps of 
their patriotic sisters of New Orleans. The reader will possibly 
think that our songs, and such taunting quips and jests as those 
instanced above, may have quite justly provoked the ire of our fair 
enemies ; that if they had only been " let alone " we would have 
had nothing to complain of Not so ! As a rule, I am proud to say 
that our own men were gentlemanly in their deportment, careful not 
to insult by word or deed, or in any way to verify the prejudices 
imbibed by a people who had been accustomed to hear the basest 
of motives ascribed, and the vilest of epithets applied to the invading 
forces of the Union. Yet some there were among us who lacked, 
perhaps, that steadiness of purpose and dignity of self respect that 
should have held them far above the level to which they must 
descend, in bandying coarse wit and petty insults with those who 
chose to give us such greeting. 

We had commenced the morning's march, expecting to reach 
the Springs or meet the enemy some time during the day. But we 
were not to have our endurance so severely tested. The heads of 
the " O. M." Department came in for a plentiful share of anathemas 
on that morning, for a hungrier lot of fellows probably never 
slandered a Quartermaster ; and our long suffering stomachs were 
grumbling various mutinous suggestions when relief was just at 
hand. General Patrick had just been informed that some unfortunate 
rebel in the vicinity was the owner of a fine herd of cattle which 
had been spared by the Confederate forage-masters. The officer 
whose duty it was to take possession of supplies, and issue the 
vouchers, was not to be found ; but our need was pressing, and, 
though ordinarily a great stickler for form, no man could more 
easily or summarily dispense with them when the exigencies of the 
service required it, than General Patrick. 

" Tell Blank not to wait for the commissary, but to take those 
cattle, and issue double rations to the men im-nie-di-ate-ly ^ 

There was an instant lifting up of sullen faces, and a spontaneous 
cheer, mingled with the cries of " bully for you," assured the 
General of our hearty approval of his action in the premises ; upon 
which he gravely turned in his saddle, and said in his slow and 
emphatic manner, "Yes, my men; you shall all have ycair bellies 
full when I can help you to it," and rode on to select a halting 
place. Our " beef rations" soon walked into camp upon their own 
legs, and we attacked them with all the fury of hunger ; a couple 



238 CHRONICLES OF THE 

of dozen were soon knocked on the head, and dissected, double 
rations served out raw, and the rest plumped into the kettles. 

We marched no farther that day, as we had only removed far 
enough to get the division out of town and into good camping 
places along the road, in readiness for the moment when we should 
be needed in front; and the day was chiefly passed, as the boys 
said, in making up for lost time, every man seeming to think it his 
duty to eat all his arrears of rations, if he died in the attempt. This 
sort of improvidence is characteristic of the soldier, exposed as he 
is to all the vicissitudes of fortune, to-day rioting in plenty, with no 
care for the morrow, which may chance to be a fast day, and 
thoughtlessly intent only upon this, which he is determined to make 
the most of while it lasts, "eat, drink and be merry," while death 
may stand waiting at the threshold of the next. 

Monday, the 25th, we lay all day listening to the booming of 
Sigel's cannon in the South-west, and held in instant readiness to 
m(jve forward. Our camp was upon the brow of a wood-crowned 
ridge near " Fisher's Forks," upon the Sulphur Springs road, in 
one of the loveliest parts of this favored portion of Virginia. From 
here the eye opened upon a wide expanse of gently undulating 
landscape, the warm sun brightly developing the rich brown, and 
yellow, and distant deep purple of the autumn, burnishing bright 
spots in the dull gold of the trampled fields, deepening the green 
and darkening the dusky interior shadows of the cedar copses, and 
adding another touch of color to the heather on the hillsides. Yes, 
the autumn was coming fast. September would soon shake down 
the chestnuts, and strew the ground with dry leaves. Death was 
already stretching his hand toward the beautiful children of the 
year, and they were putting on the sober raiment of decay, satisfied 
with their work, and ready to mingle with the dust, until another 
spring-time should come and call them up in new forms of beauty. 

And if, in looking upon the scene, and thinking such thoughts, 
we are reminded that the grim harvester may select, ere many 
days, some from among us to fall with the leaves, yet we know that 

" — the seed lies safe below 
The fires that blaze and burn," 

and that in good time it will spring up and bear its fruit, and we 
shall not be forgotten. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 239 



CHAPTER XIII 



To Sulphur Springs. — The " Flying Dutchman," and his work. — A Rebel Picket presents arms to 
our General.- — The ball opens. — -Skirmishers to the Front. — The " Twenty-Onesters " develope 
a capacity for " keeping a hotel."- — Outflanked by night. — Forced march to Gainesville. — The 
battle of August 28th. — Jackson repulsed. — Too weak to risk another trial, we fall back to 
Manassas by night. 



WE HAD been ordered, the evening before, to prepare to 
march at an early hour, and soon after daybreak on the 
morning of Tuesday, August 26th, we were in hne and ready. We 
had packed and slung our knapsacks, expecting to carry them, but, 
at the last moment, were ordered to throw them off, that they 
might be loaded into the wagon trains just starting for the rear. 

That we were not allowed to take them with us was significant 
of the fact that we were preparing for severe service, to which what 
we had already passed would seem, comparatively, but play ; such, 
it is now evident, was the expectation of those who were qualified 
to judge and direct, by a better knowledge of our surroundings 
than we in the ranks could have ; and the sequel proves that they 
were correct. 

So, hastily removing our blankets and tents, and slinging them 
over our shoulders, we piled our packs, and, thus disencumbered, 
gaily took the road. The route from Warrenton to the Fauquier 
Springs is famous for its picturesque beauty, and we could not but 
be delighted with its ever shifting panorama as we filed over and 
around the low hills, and through the beech and maple groves, fresh 
with the dewy breath of the morning, and vocal with the songs of 
birds. A lovelier day for a stroll through these pleasant scenes the 
enraptured tourist of the " piping times of peace " could not have 
desired; and though ours was, in nature and intent, anything but a 
pleasure excursion, yet I doubt if this road had ever been trodden 
by a more jolly, rollicking set of youngsters, or feasted more 
appreciative eyes, since "the Spring," became a place of fashionable 
summer resort. 

About nine o'clock we struck the forks of the road, near Henn's 
house. Here we saw a broken uun carriage, and other traces of 



240 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Sigel, who had driven the enemy across the river the day before, 
and then hurried to the right to oppose him at Waterloo Bridge. 
"The Flying Dutchman," as our boys christened him, had in his 
erratic way been making himself generally useful during the retreat, 
embarrassing the enemy with his artillery, and driving him back 
successively at Kelly's Ford, Freeman's Bridge, and Waterloo; and 
now could be still heard at intervals pounding away ,on our right, 
where we supposed the main force of the rebel column to be. Our 
Genera] had received orders to advance with his brigade across the 
river, and feel for the rear of that column, our object being merely 
a reconnoissance, and no one imagining that we should find this point 
still in possession of the enemy. We soon came in sight of what 
seemed a village of some size, or (judging by the local standard, 
which dignifies every cross road corner, with a grog shop, two or 
more tumble-down log houses, a hay stack and a sign post, with a 
high sounding name,) a town even, and larger than many a one we 
had seen that could boast a charter as old as the reign of the 
Georges. At a nearer approach we were struck by its air of deso- 
lation and unnatural quiet. No living thing was in sight, and the 
smoke, that at first seemed to rise from chimneys, among the trees, 
dimly revealed broken walls and charred timbers slowly smouldering 
among the ruins. Along the principal and almost only public street, 
we passed riddled and broken brick work, scattered furniture, partly 
in fragments, open doors and windows revealing naught but bare 
and defaced walls, charred and withered trees, smoke, ashes and 
desolation ; telling a tale that war writes over and over again, and 
men as often forget. Would to God the brave but misguided youth 
of the " Old Dominion," could have turned forward to the page this 
day has written in the history of their State, while there was yet 
time to save her from such a fate. Our regiment holding the Hght 
of the column was the first to enter the place. General Patrick, 
with his staff, was a short distance in advance. He had understood 
that cavalry would precede us, so rode on confident of being 
informed in time should we gain the enemy's vicinity. 

The two large hotels which, with their extended establishments, 
comprised the bulk of the place, were just on either side of our 
colors as the head of the column began to descend the slope toward 
the river, when suddenly the deathlike stillness of the place was 
broken by a rattling volley at the bend of the road, just in front, 
where it crossed the river. The sound had hardly ceased to 
reverberate among the ruins, before every musket was loaded, and 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 24I 

the line ready to advance again. In the meantime an aid came 
galloping- frantically past without his hat, with orders for the artillery 
in our rear ; and then our General, for whose safety we had at first 
trembled, came coolly riding back, followed by his staff, as though 
nothing unusual had occurred.''' 

We were now sent into the corn fields on the right of the road, 
and ordered to hold them, falling back on the buildings for shelter 
if hard pressed in our somewhat exposed situation. A line of 
skirmishers was instantly deployed along the bank, where a few 
trees afforded a sort of cover for our sharp-shooters, and the rest 
lay down upon the hill side. Hardly as much time elapsed as I 
have taken to relate this, when, with a hoarse screech, the first shell 
came crashing among the buildings, and, as if by signal, three 
batteries opened upon us from the opposing hill-tops, at just the 
right range for effect. At the same time the fences and lines of 
brushy wall across the river, seemed to take fire in a hundred 
places. The bullets came singing and skipping along the ground, 
and over our heads ; while the sharp crackling of the rifle muskets 
of our skirmishers made instant reply, and the reserve grouped in 
the most sheltered places, to pick off the gray-backs who now began 
to show themselves, running from cover to cover, toward the river, 
and becoming every moment better marks, while the increased 
accuracy of their firing made us hug the ground. 

But the combined effect of shell and bullets soon made this 
place too warm for comfort, and the Colonel gave the word to fall 
back upon the cottages. A long row of these extended rearward 
from each wing of the main hotel, in a semi-circle, meeting near the 
river, and enclosing, perhaps, twenty acres of ground. 

Just at this instant a thunderous discharge shakes the ground 
in our rear. It is our own batteries, which have reached good 
positions, and are now hurling back the favors of our warm friends 



* It appeared that the enemy's pickets occupied the banks of the river, some of them on this 
side, when General Patrick, all unconscious of their presence, rode up to the very bank. So intent 
was he examining the condition of the bridge and ford, that he did not notice the presence of persons 
on the bank. The rebels appeared much surprised, and, as the General wore a gray felt hat, 
evidently took him for one of their own officers, as one presented arms to him, while several others, 
coming out of the bushes, directed his attention to the crossing place or ford. One of his officers 
spoke to him several times without attracting his attention, when one of them spoke up loudly and 
said " General , these are gray coats ! " The whole party immediately turned, and the rebels, by this 
time discovering who and what they were, immediately fired a volley after them, but, very 
fortunately, did not hit one of the party. The escape was a most remarkable one. Had the rebels 
kept under cover, the General and his party might easily have been taken prisoners. — Extract from 
a letter written by Colonel Rogers. 



242 CHRONICLES OF THE 

across the river, thus drawing a share of their attentions from us. 
Thus we he between the two fires all day, the gunners having the 
best of the play all to themselves, and we just enough exposed to 
make the game interesting. At about eleven, the 2d regiment of 
Berdan's sharp-shooters are deploying along the river with ours, 
other regiments move down upon our flanks, and the musket firing 
becomes continuous. 

Up to this time we have seen no one hurt, although hair-breadth 
escapes are plenty ; but now, two of the Berdans come up from the 
river, bearing a stretcher upon which is something, in human form, 
covered with a blanket, and from it the blood is slowly dropping as 
they pass. At noon there is a slight lull ; but the ever watchful 
marksmen along the river take good care of their chances, and a 
rattling discharge from time to time, tells of danger to some unwary 
grayback. 

What are the men of the reserve doing here among the 
buildings ! It is time for dinner ; and a soldier's stomach has a 
good memory, generally ignoring any risk its fellow members may 
incur in satisfying its demands. So, among the smoking ruins of 
the hotel, we stir together the embers and the unconsumed 
fragments, and blow up a blaze, each one for himself, over which 
our old black coffee cups are soon simmering. Meantime, while 
one eye watches the coffee, the other is kept warily " to windward," 
for an occasional misdirected shell or " tumbler," sends a few yards 
of brick wall crashing down among the rubbish, causing some 
sudden changes of base' on the part of those who chance to be near, 
and flavoring our coffee by adding a dash of lime, brick dust, and 
cinders. Then, in groups we crouch under the trees and discuss 
our simple meal, the contrast between the present and past, 
accustomed scenes of the place, coming vividly to mind. 

In the old times here, many a gay party met around the board, 
with its offering to luxury and taste. Fair women smiled, sparkling 
wine went round in honor to ruby lips, mad wit flashed and rippling 
aughter answered. The fountains tinkled and cooled the evening 
air, the trees whispered together above happy lovers, and music 
timed the tread of dancing feet. That is past. Here are now only 
groups of dark and bearded men ; rough fellows with nothing of the 
butterfly about them, seated among ashes and upon the scorched 
grass, eating hard-tack and drinking black coffee, to the music of 
the booming cannon. The fountains are silent, murderous men 
crawl along the paths where the lovers used to walk, the trees rustle 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 243 

drearily and clash their withered leaves, and the mad rush of 
wailing, screeching shot and shell is the hideous substitute for the 
lively music of the dance. 

The afternoon sun marches slowly toward the West, and still, 
with little change, the tragedy of the day progresses. Now and 
then, a battery changes position, but the cannonade is almost 
uninterrupted, and the line of sharp-shooters is augmented by many 
stragglers from the rear, who have come up to the front to see the 
fun. Many of the reserve, too, tired of lying under the trees, and 
dodging among falling walls, are taking a hand in the game, which 
shortly becomes interesting. A body of the enemy, perhaps two 
hundred strong, succeed in reaching a sort of natural rifle-pit near 
the river, and immediately all our attentions are directed to this 
point. The rebs soon discover that they are in a tight place, lor 
our fire is rapid and certain, and our position sheltered. Not a man 
can leave the trap ; some essay a sudden break to the rear, and tiie 
crack of the Springfields knells their doom, and the rest find it 
exceedingly unsafe to show their heads. 

Just at this interesting juncture there is a call for Major Thomas, 
and a report that a flag of truce is approaching. We are ordered 
to cease firing, the batteries have already done so, and there is a 
gathering of both sides, an eager, interested crowd, at the bridge. 
What it can mean, all are curious to know, and while we watch and 
wait, our friends in the trap rise as one man, and scud up the hill. 
There is a deprecating yell as we take in the ruse, and shouts of 
" Come back, rebs !" and " Here : that ain't fair ! " follow this breach 
of all military justice. We dare not fire while the truce is pending, 
and so we look on while our boasted Virginian " chivalry " take to 
their heels and the shelter of a cowardly breach of faith, confiding 
in the fact that we " mud-sills " will not break ours. 

The ostensible object of this deputation, was to return a woman, 
one of the " vivandieres " of Sigel's corps, whom they had captured 
the day before. Her dress was the usua*l infantry uniform, and bhe 
presented, in that respect, not a shade of contrast to the guard who 
conducted her to the rear. Even her fair hair was clipped close to 
her head, and she looked as capable of good service with a musket 
as many of the juniors in our ranks. Altogether, I thought as she 
marched along in her air of perfect unconcern, she would have 
furnished a good reply to the romantic notions of some of our dear 
girls at home, who, in their enthusiasm would have marched to the 
field with their fathers and brothers. 



244 CHRONICLES OF THE 

While the truce lasted our friends in gray were busily engaged 
in lugging off their dead, but when the firing recommenced, they 
did not seem to care for a renewal of the close work of the morning. 
The batteries, however, were as busy as before, until with the 
approach of darkness the din of conflict gave place to becoming 
quiet. 

Not doubting but that ere morning we should have to repel an 
attack in force, we lay down in line upon the inner circle of pavement 
which surrounded the grounds, our trusty muskets in our arms, and 
our " harness" still upon our backs. Much need we had of sleep, 
for many a weary day the sun would rise, and set, and rise again, 
before another night of unbroken rest would be ours. 

At an early hour next morning we were ready to begin again. 
The sun rose in his glory, and still we waited. Seven o'clock, eight, 
and still a suspicious silence brooded upon the opposing hills ; not 
a gray uniform or slouched hat, not even the smoke of a camp-fire 
visible. What did it mean ? Could it be a trap for our advance, 
or had our enemy risen in his strength by night, and — run away ? 
No way was left, but to reconnoitre and see for ourselves. So a 
line of skirmishers deploy along the river, cross as best they can, 
and slowly, under cover of tree, and rock, and bush, creep up the 
steep ascent, while their comrades look on with anxious eyes that 
watch for the instant expected leap of flame from the top. Our 
gunners have already sent shell after shell, screaming defiance and 
crashing among those trees, without any answer but the grumbling 
of sleepy echoes, and now stand at their pieces waiting and 
watching. They gain the top, and are lost to us among the trees. 
Anxious moments pass, but no rattle of fire-arms sends back 
warning, and finally they are seen again, slowing coming down the 
road, and we know that here we have nothing more to do. 

The brigades hastily form and move into the road, and by nine 
we are again under way, retracing our steps of the day before. It 
had been ascertained that the force we had met, a division of 
Anderson's, and the last to leave Richmond, had followed the main 
body up the river. "Another move in the flanking game" had 
commenced, directed upon Thoroughfare Gap, through which, though 
we did not 'then know it, the enemy's advance had already passed to 
attack our communications at Manassas. Sigel had already left 
Warrenton, and the other divisions, Reynolds', King's and Ricketts,' 
were to follow on in the order in which they are named, the object 
being to hurl back those advancing columns. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 245 

The fatigues of that march none of us will soon forget. The first 
day was intensely hot, the sand took the feet into its burning depth at 
every step, and there were no halts by cool wayside springs. Our 
regiment was again the rear guard, and parties of "flankers" were 
kept at a safe distance on either side to watch for possible cavalry. 
These were relieved every few miles, until we reached Warrenton, 
where we passed the di\^ision of General Ricketts, and the duty 
devohed upon them. 

Short rations had been given us that morning, and fatigue wore 
proportionately fast upon us. There was a short halt soon after dark, 
and a search for water, after which we again plodded on. 

Tramp, tramp, tramp, eyes seeing nothing, and the feet moving 
only by habit, while the ear dulls to the clanking of bayonet and 
canteen, until roused by the hoarse " Close up," or still less agreeably, 
by a smart thud from the musket of some sleepy comrade ; or 
stumbling upon the heels of your file leader ; or your rear man upon 
yours ; habitual duty working hard to keep down rebellious nature, 
and fe\erish dreams mingling wierdly with your snatches of waking 
recognition ; you will recall them all, reader, if you have ever 
made a night march when hours were so precious that even those 
God has gi\'en to rest were taken from you by the hard hand 
of war's necessity. 

Some time after midnight we made a halt of a couple of hours 
near Gainesville. Many slept soundly until time to fall in again, while 
others hurriedly boiled their coffee and secured its refreshing sedative 
before they sought to snatch a little rest. Up again long ere 
daybreak, a paltry ration of hard bread is given each man, and again, 
on. Hunger is the most powerful of demoralizing agents, and the 
full force of this fact became apparent before long. This was the time 
when Sigel was heard to say, " A biscuit just now is worth more than 
a bayonet," anti he was right. 

We marched through Gainesville, and almost over the spot 
where we lay upon our return from that fruitless chase after Jackson, 
early in the day. Shortly before this we passed a squad of rebel 
prisoners, who had been captured that morning by Sigel, at an old 
church on the road. They claimed to be the rear guard of the rebel 
column which was said to be shortly in our front. 

Firing was heard in front from time to time, but we had ceased 
to interest ourselves in every noise that spoke of battle, as was once 
our habit. If those fellows ahead chose to waste powder and make 
fools of themseh'es, it was no concern of ours, and we said so. Most 



246 CHRONICLES OF THE 

of our feverish anxiety to get into battle was gone. True, we had not 
yet seen any very severe fighting, but we had seen enough to content 
us with just as much as fell to our lot, without grumbling for more. 
Recruits might do that and welcome, but as for us, enough was just 
as good as a feast. 

So we loped along, wondering where the next rations would come 
from. Green corn we might have, and our prisoners had lived on 
that ibr a week; why shouldn't we? But it was poor fare, and 
indulgence had unpleasant consequences, so we looked hard and long 
at it before we ate. 

At twelve o'clock we halted to give the men rest, and a chance 
to make their coffee. A forest on the right of the road afforded a 
grateful shade from the heat of the sun, and we bathed our blistered 
feet in a little stream that rippled through its cool shadows. In front 
was a stretch of open, furzy meadow, commanded by a hill beyond. 
Here Reynolds' division had met the enemy in the morning, and a 
light engagement ensued. A battery opened upon his advance from 
the hill, and here he had deployed his column. 

"After a short but sharp action, the enemy retired, and when 
our skirmishers occupied the hill, he was nowhere to be seen. 
Supposing from the movements of this force that it was some rear 
guard or cavalry party, with artillery, sent out to reconnoitre, the 
march of the division, after caring for the killed and wounded, was 
resumed, and it turned off to the South of the road, to go to 
Manassas." 

The paragraph I have just quoted is from (jeneral McDovvell's 
report, which may be found in that published by Major General Pope. 
The traces of battle were still apparent when we arrived. In an old 
log house which stood in the edge of a corn field, lay the mangled 
bodies of those whom their comrades had not time to bury, and in a 
corner was a collection of those chips the surgeons make in " squaring 
the ends ' ' of poor fellows who chance to get them ' ' rough hewed 
by the dire hand of battle. 

Tired as they were, and desperately careless of the risk they ran 
of capture or sudden death at the hands of skulking bushwhackers, 
many of the boys strayed out in search of something to eat. We 
knew that we were setting aside all discipline in so doing, but our 
necessity was our warrant ; we knew we must fight soon, and fighting 
on an empty stomach is hard work. 

I had nearly reached camp, with my haversack and arms full of 
green apples and corn, when I was a witness to one of those incidents 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 247 

common to war time, and illustrative of the feet that ' ' hunger 
knows no law." 

A rascally suiter, one of that harpy tribe who follow an army as 
long' as a greenback (or its equivalent) remains in the soldier's 
pocket, had somehow got through from Centreville, with a large load 
of eatables, tobacco, and whiskey. The latter commodity being 
contraband, would by right have caused the regular confiscation o^ 
his load, but the boys would not have informed on him. The wretch 
knew ' that the men were "short" of rations, and, relying upon 
protection by the officers, determined to reach a profit that should 
make that load a good investment if he never sold another. 

Finding that it would take about half a month's pay to get 
enough of his "bolognas," bread, and cheese, to satisfy a hungry 
man, and many being reduced to the dregs of their last pay, the boys 
grew angry, and when some one raised the cry of " clean him out," 
there was a rush. The harpy flew heels over neck from his roost, 
the canvas cover disappeared, there was a momentary swarming of 
blue jackets and caps, and then cheeses, loaves, jars, chains of 
sausages, and black bottles fiew in every direction, so that all might 
share, and in less time than you have been reading it, all was OA^er ; 
the wagon stood empty and folorn, and the crowd had dispersed. 

A Major of Gibbons' brigade rode round the wagon, presenting 
his re\'ol\'er, and calling upon the men to desist. But no one seemed 
to see him, and I saw that it went against his heart to fire upon men 
in such a strait of hunger, and somehow he didn't think to cock his 
revolver until the wagon was effectually stripped. 

Little satisfaction our friend of the hooked beak got when he 
went to complain to our Colonel. None of the officers could tell 
which of their men had left the stacks, and he of the speculati\^e eye 
went on his way, full of ungodliness and wrath. 

The sun had rolled half down the West ere we were again called 
to shoulder our muskets and take the road toward Groveton. Our 
army was now converging toward Manassas, the different corps 
forming a line from the Manassas Railroad to some distance left of the 
Warrenton and Centreville turnpike. Partly in the fields, but mostly 
in the woods, our own division following the turnpike, McDowell's 
corps was moving on in the general direction indicated. Distant 
cannonading reached our ears, but we paid little attention to the 
accustomed sound, and marched on unsuspicious of danger. 

It was near sunset, and we had left Gainesville perhaps three 
miles behind. Tired and hungry, the soothing coolness of the hour 



248 CHRONICLES OF THP] 

was a balm to our senses, and drowsily we swung- along- the grassy- 
roadside, taking in the soft beauty of the scene, and no one dreaming 
that danger and death lurked in those quiet woods, so beautiful with 
the soft radiance of the sun's last smile. 

Suddenly the roar of cannon broke the spell, and woke the 
peaceful landscape to a scene of carnage and confusion. The shell 
fell with deadly accuracy among the troops just in advance. A rebel 
battery vipon a hill just in front and upon our left having got their 
exact range, and with the first note of warning piling the men of 
Gibbons' and Doubleday's brigades right and left upon the road. 
For a moment all was confusion, anci then, while we paused and 
formed our line, the brigades in advance moved hurriedly on, and 
into the shelter of the woods. And now the shell begin to fly over 
us and knock up the dust in the road. An.xiously we wait for orders 
to move on and join our comrades, whose battle-cry comes mingled 
with the sudden roll of their musketry, from beyond the woods. Aids 
gallop across the field, and the smoke rolls up from the batteries, and 
lines are seen momentarily swaying back and forth, while sheets of 
flame flash in the shadows of the forest, and still the unceasing cheers 
come to our ears. And now our own position is growing hot, and 
the rebel bolts drop thicker and faster all around. A line of 
skirmishers is sent out to the left, and the balance of the regiment 
moved into the woods upon the right. 

Night approaches rapidly, and still the combat rages, and silently 
we wait until the foe in our own front shall be unmasked. But 
darkness comes apace ; an hour passes and we do not move, while 
gradually the din grows fainter, and merges into a slow, irregular 
succession of discharges, like the firing of a line of skirmishers. And 
now comes a call for volunteers to help in the wounded on our right. 
An hundred willing voices respond, and our little detachment hurries 
down the road. The signs of battle soon thicken. First a disabled 
battery, slowly hauling to the rear ; then we begin to pass the 
ambulances, with their moaning loads, and the sickening smell of 
blood steams up from the road. Groups of the slightly wounded, 
still able to help themselves ofl", and only wanting water, come next, 
with bearers stooping under the burden of their loaded stretchers, 
upon which, mangled and distorted in agony, or happily unconscious 
of their grievous wounds, others are being carried to the surgeons. 
There, in a corner of the fence, lies a slight boyish form in the arms 
of two comrades ; the face is white and peaceful, the eyes are closed, 
and one .stoops with his ear to the faintly moving lips, catching 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 249 

perhaps a last sacred message to those who wait in vain to welcome 
him in his far Wisconsin home. 

He is past help, from us, we must step over the stream of his 
life, wetting the thankless soil, and seek for those who are not. We 
find them in plenty ; and for a sad half hour are engaged in giving 
such assistance as we can, and then we hasten back to find our 
regiment. 

Patrick's brigade has been ordered to the right to relieve the 
wearied men of Gibbon and Doubleday upon the field ; so we meet 
our column upon the road and fall into our places. When the 
column has reached the cover of the wood it is faced to the front, 
and then, that the enemy may be deceived into the belief that rein- 
forcements have arrived, cheer upon cheer is sent up as we move 
into the pitchy blackness of the woods. At every step the line is 
broken to admit the wounded and their helpers, and we stumble 
upon the dying and the dead. At the front of the wood our line is 
formed, commanding the open ground in front. The arms are 
stacked, a picket is detailed, and then, weary, hungry, and almost 
disheartened, the rest lie down to seek a little forgetfulness in sleep. 

It is my lot to be among the watchers, and as I pace my beat I 
must guard my uncertain steps, for here in solemn state lie two ot 
our dead heroes, and yonder are more of them, and out in front they 
are lying thick as forest leaves where they fell; and anon I hear 
that awful sound, the cry of some abandoned sufferer dying in 
agony alone. Sometimes there comes a sound, the most horrid I have 
ever heard ; breaking the deathly stillness of the night with a long 
unearthly wail, — that freezes the blood with its tone of horror, and 
I know that some noble beast that carried its rider bravely into the 
thickest of the fray, is calling in his extremity for help. Now and 
then a light twinkles faintly out there in front, moving slowly and 
uncertainly, as if held at each step to pale damp faces which I seem 
to see, their eyes stony and fixed as if the soul had passed out 
thence, and they still watched its flight toward the eternal gates. 
Poor clods, they must wait long ere kind hands will give back their 
earth to earth ; no comrades will follow with slow step, no " farewell 
shot" over their graves cause the cold heart to leap once more 
in its sleep at the remembered sound, no brother's tears glisten 
upon the fresh turf 

At one o'clock the sleepers are roused with a shake and a 
whispered warning to fall in and take arms without noise ; silently, 
like a line of shadows we form and move into the road ; the brigade 



250 CHRONICLES OF THE 

is already in motion, each regiment filing into its place, and once 
more we are retreating. Our belief that we had fallen in with 
Jackson's entire army had been confirmed by the examination of 
prisoners taken during the night. General Ricketts had also 
engaged the enemy on our left, near Thoroughfare Gap, holding 
him in check and forcing him back ; but finding him crossing above 
on his right, at Hopewell Gap, and threatened with being turned 
on his left, he had fallen back at dark to Gainesville. Here he 
found General King, and, learning his intention to retreat at one 
o'clock upon Manassas, determined to do the same by the way of 
Bristow. Reynolds and Sigel still held a position near Groveton, 
and our present movement would bring us upon their left and in a 
position once more to confront the enemy in line, and protect our 
communications by way of Centreville. 

If our marches heretofore had been accompanied with extreme 
suffering, what shall I say of this one. For many days we had 
endured short rations, and for the last of these we had almost lived 
on unripe corn. Few were free from the exhausting debility 
resulting from such fare and undue exertion in the August heat, 
and, to crown all, for the last two days we had been without rations 
and almost constantly upon our feet. 

We left the turnpike, almost at the point where the action 
had commenced, and took the road for Manassas Junction ; and so 
silently had all been conducted that no suspicion of our movement 
occurred to the rebel hosts who lined our front, and who might 
have blown away our weak lines like chaff". The audacity of our 
attack had misled Jackson into the belief that he had met the entire 
army, and to that mistake we owed the privilege of living "to fight 
another day." 

The " wee sma ' hours" lengthened out wearily, and at last 
morning dawned to find us far on our way. It had rained in the 
night just enough to clog the road and spoil our footing, and when 
the sun got up and beat down hotly upon us, the vapors oppressed 
our laboring lungs to suffocation. I shall never forget the haggard, 
almost hopeless faces that met my eye as I looked around among 
my comrades when daylight came. Even one night works rapid 
changes when men get near the end of what nature can bear. Some 
were missing, and the huddled up figures of desperately exhausted 
men who looked with listless eyes upon the passing line, suggested 
their whereabouts. Knapsacks, clothing, blankets and shelter tents, 
and even extra cartridges, were thrown aside and littered the road. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 251 

Ambulances crowded with pale and bloody men hurried past. 
Now we woulcf pass a broken one, its inmates patiently waiting to 
be helped upon the horses, or resio-ning themselves to be left 
behind at the farms ; again it was a new made grave perhaps, with 
a stained stretcher lying beside it ; and all these scenes mingle in 
the memory of that morning's march, more like the remains of some 
delirious dream than the ineffaceable impression of actual 
occurrences. 

At ten we reached the Junction, halted in an open field to the 
left of the railroad, near the old rebel earthworks, and spreading 
our remaining shelter tents upon the stacks, lay down in the mud to 
rest our exhausted frames. Most of the supply trains had been 
destroyed, but by dint of exertion our General succeeded in secur- 
ing some hard bread and coffee, and the opportune arrival of a 
drove of cattle supplied fresh meat, and soon our hungry fellows 
were gladdened by the issue of a plentiful ration. We were obliged 
to scoop up the yellow, muddy water from the shallow trenches of 
the old potato field in which we lay, and the result was that when 
boiled, our coffee bore an unusual milky appearance, which we were 
fain to make believe was a great improvement. 

I think I never tasted coffee so good, and surely such beef as 
that we made pretence of cooking over our little fires, and such 
superlatively palatable hard-tack, we thought we had rarely seen. 
Luxuries they were, in good faith, to us, and we appreciated them 
fully; but the satisfying of one demand of nature only increased the 
importunity of the other, and many were soundly sleeping again 
almost immediately. 

It was near noon when a succession of hearty cheers roused us, 
to wonder what could call such enthusiastic demonstrations from 
our dejected troops. A straggling line of mingled artillery trains 
and infantry columns, marching along the railroad in the direction 
of Gainesville, was apparently the recipient of this welcome, and 
soon the cry oi McClellans troops ! informed us of the reason. 
^ The words were like an incantation. Weariness was forgotten, 
and all rushed to the railroad to welcome the men for whose safety 
we had undergone the fatigues and dangers of the last twenty days, 
and whom we now greeted as drowning men greet the life boat. 
For no one doubted that our old comrades were marching en masse 
to our aid, and that in the union of our long disunited forces we 
should find victory. 

There they came, the men of the Chickahominy, the skeletons 



252 CHRONICLES OF THE 

of the fine regiments who had left us in March, bearing in their 
thinned ranks and war beaten aspect, the handful of tatters that 
remained to the never relinquished staffs of their colors, and their 
gaunt and scarred faces, the unerring record of their bravery and 
their sufferings. All we could learn was that this was the corps of 
Fitz John Porter, and whether the balance of the Peninsular army 
was at hand they could not tell us. 

Capt. Noyes, whose interesting book I have already quoted, 
says, " The reason, I presume, why the sight of these reinforcements 
made so strong an impression, was this : that the frequent excite- 
ments and want of sleep had to some extent demoralized our troops, 
officers and men. A man, hazy from fasting and sleeplessness, 
loses self reliance, does not stand so firmly upon his feet, becomes 
dejected and indifferent, offering a service perfunctory rather than 
whole souled and enthusiastic. I know that personally I felt almost 
exhausted, for the bodily machine was pretty well run down. I am 
convinced that there was not half the fighting value in our brigade 
as if one day's rest and one night's sleep had been permitted us 
after the late fatigue." 

What the brave captain says of his brigade and himself, applied 
to all the others. At home, and not a man of us but would have 
been considered a fitter subject for a sick bed and attentive nursing 
by his anxious friends, than we now were for the field and its trying 
scenes. Yet our time had come again, and it was with some hope- 
fulness that we again fell in and lifted our muskets with aching arms. 
And here I may as well give the remainder of the paragraph quoted 
above. 

" Imagine our disappointment when, as we were finishing our 
coftee, orders came for the division to move forward to meet the 
enemy. The second battle of Bull Run had already commenced, 
and every man was needed. Our men had not had time enough to 
cook and kill their fresh meat, and so it had to be abandoned. I 
confess that I pitied the men as they relunctantly packed and 
slung their knapsacks. I pitied my tired mare as the orderly^ 
brought her up. I pitied my tired body as I slung myself into my 
saddle. All the usual excitement naturally attendant upon a march 
to an expected battle field was merged and lost in mental and 
bodily prostration." 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 253 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Commencement of the Second Battle of Bull Run, Aug. 29. — March from Manassas Junction to the 
Dogan House. — Fighting in dark. — "Friend or foe." — A bivouac among the dead. — " The red 
morning " of the 30th. — -Grim array of battle. — The tide begins its flow. — Our position. — " Pre- 
pare to charge." — " Twenty- First ! Forward!" — "The gates of Hell." — The tide begins to 
ebb. — Defeats and darkness end the day. 



The Hag.s of war like storm bird.s fly, She meets with smiles our bitter grief, 
The charging trumpets blow ; With songs our groans of pain ; 

Yet rolls no thunder in the sky. She mocks with tint of flower and leaf 
No earthquake strives below. The war-field's crimson stain. 

And, calm and patient, nature keeps Still, in the cannon's pause, we hear 
Her ancient promise well. Her sweet thanksgiving psalm ; 

Though o'er her bloom and greenness Too near the good for doubt or fear, 
sweeps She shares the eternal calm. 

The battle's breath of hell. l Whittier. 



THE never to be forgotten " Battle Autumn " of the year 1862 
began, we all know, with disaster and defeat to the army of 
the Union ; its prolonged struggle was a fearful sacrifice to precious 
lives, and as the tidings of eachf passing day swept northward, a 
wail of sorrow went up from thousands of desolated hearthstones, 
and the land was draped in funeral weeds. Yet the end was 
glorious; who will forget Antietam and the merging of that sorrow- 
ful wail into paeans and thanksgiving songs, when at last the days 
of trial were over, and the hand of Providence smote the powers 
over which it had almost seemed extended to protect, and they were 
weakening before us, and our newly heartened hosts hurled them 
back in dismay from the very threshold of our homes. It was a 
glorious victory, and future generations of eyes will brighten at the 
tale, long after all those that saw that day are dust-dimmed and 
forgotten. 

Yes " it was a glorious victory," and though the results seemed 
to leave us hardly where we commenced, and certainly weaker by 
thousands than when our ranks were marshalled in the spring of 
that bloody year, yet in experience and the confidence of ability our 



254 CHRONICLES OF THE 

handfuls had become hosts, the boasts of our enemy had been 
turned against him, and he had learned to respect that which many 
a well fought field showed him he had undervalued — the valor of 
the North. For the source of those disasters, whether we are to 
look for them in unforeseen contingencies, from ill advised action, 
incapacity, neglect or treasonable plottings among- those entrusted 
with the most sacred confidence of an imperilled people; whether 
the narrow issues drawn by the jealousies and bickerings of faction 
among controlling powers, and men who should have forgotten self 
and sacrificed personal feeling, and, if necessary, even individual 
rights, in the face of the nation's peril, those who know either more 
or less than I must judge for themselves. I shall deal in none but 
generally accepted facts in speaking of the surface developments 
of those days, endeavoring to record faithfully the incidents of our 
own experience, and leave future research and that unvailing hand 
of time which daily brings to the light old hidden things, to mark 
and reveal truth and cover up the false. 

In the last chapter I have related how, famished and worn, we 
had reached Manassas on the morning of August 29th, after weeks 
of fatigue and suffering endurance, to meet our comrades of the 
Peninsula marching to our relief. The joy of that event was new 
life to our jaded troops, and but for that I doubt if the march to the 
field could have been so promptly undertaken by our much 
suffering men. 

We had barely swallowed our hastily prepared meal, and many 
were still searching for water, when the dreaded bugle sounded the 
note of preparation, and all hastened to their places and resumed 
the harness they had just lain aside. General Patrick from his 
saddle shouted, — "Rapidly my men! Rapidly!" and the listless 
laggards quickened their motion; although no words from even him 
could brighten the despondent faces in which the hard actualities 
of war were drawing lines of premature significance ; age forestalled 
in suffering experience, the protest of nature against factitious 
demands exhausted too soon the reserve of strength she had pre- 
pared to fortify the westward slope of life. 

The brigade was soon in line. " My men! " said Patrick, " we 
return to the battle ground of last night. You fight in good com- 
pany. You follow the regulars. They're my old companions in 
arms. You fight zvell. I've no fault to find. Keep well closed up, 
and be prompt to obey orders. Colonel Rogers, lead off by the 
right flank." 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 25"5 

I now turn again to the report of General McDowell. " King's 
and Rickett's divisions were directed, as soon as they could be 
placed on the road from Manassas Junction to Gainesville, which 
runs nearly west, to follow in the rear and close to General Porter's 
corps. Both these divisions had been on foot night and day, tor 
several days past, had marched the most of the night before, and 
were separated from their baggage and subsistence. They moved 
forward, however, cheerfully. The column coming to a halt, I rode 
forward and found General Porter at the head of his corps, on a 
slight eminence; in front was an open piece of ground, and beyond 
it the woods skirting the Warrenton road, down which, as we could 
see from the dust above the trees, the enemy was moving trom 
Gainesville upon Groveton, where the battle was now going on. 

"Just before reaching General Porter, I received a note from 
General Buford, commanding cavalry brigade, who was on our then 
left and front, acquainting me with the then strength of the enemy, 
which he had seen as they passed through Gainesville, then moving 
down the road. It consisted of seventeen regiments, one battery, 
and five hundred cavalry. As this was an inferior force to General 
Porter's, I decided for him to throw himself at once upon the 
enemy's flank, and as the head of my column was some three miles 
back, near the Sudley Springs road, I would move it directly north 
on that road, upon the field where the battle was then at its height." 

We had marched perhaps three miles when we were met by 
General McDowell, and turned back to take the Sudley Springs 
road. I remember that as we were skirting a grove at its junction, 
we passed a battalion of raw troops, and a new arrival of " bounty " 
men, who were marching in close column with carefully timed step 
2S\A fixed bayonets, in the direction of Porter's column. They were 
singing lustly, and apparently full of unfledged enthusiasm ; and the 
broad amusement with which our bronzed veterans regarded these 
callow candidates for the " bone yard," was tempted with a sort of 
half pity for what they had before them. 

Northward, along the outer rim of the battle field, sometimes 
in the road, then through groves and meadows, and anon across 
some scorching, sandy plain, our column worked its devious way. 
The afternoon was terribly hot, and no fresh water was to be had, 
as we passed no wells, and the few streams seemed to be dried up. 
The roar of batteries hotly engaged, the continuous din of musketry, 
filled the air ; and now and then when we raised our sweat-blinded eyes 
from the road we saw through some valley or opening in the woods, or 



256 CHRONICLES OF THE 

on the distant hillsides, a rolling- vail of dim vapors ever newly 
woven where sudded puffs and dashes of white smoke broke along 
the earth, and tilmed up against forest, and hill, and sky. Parked 
ammunition wagons snuggled into the near shelter of the hills, 
ambulances bounced recklessly toward and moved slowly from the 
front, and the red hospital flag waved from the scattering farm 
houses in sight. 

Heintzleman's corps, with the divisions of Hooker and Kearney 
on the right of the line, west of the Sudley road, Sigel next, his 
right extending a short distance south of the Warrenton turnpike, 
Schenck's division on the high ground to the left of that road, and 
Reynolds' division on the extreme left, were already hotly engaged. 
The latter division had assailed the heights above Groveton on the 
right of the Warrenton turnpike, Cooper's battery, supported by 
Meade's brigade, coming gallantly into action on the same ridge on 
which the enemy's right was posted ; but by some movement of 
Sigel's corps, Reynolds' right was left unsupported and he was 
obliged, the enemy's whole fire being centered upon it, to fall back. 
Afterward, General Pope, arriving on the right of the line from 
Centreville renewed the attack, and drove the enemy back some 
distance, and again Reynolds moved upon his right and rear, and 
agaih the havoc dealing fire of the enemy's strongly posted bat- 
teries and lines of infantry drove him back. 

" Immediately on my arrival with King's division," says Gen- 
eral McDowell, " I directed it to move forward and take position 
on the left of Reynolds, then still engaged on the left of Sigel's 
corps, and some of the brigades went forward to do so, when I 
received your instruction ( Pope's) to order the division over to the 
north of the turnpike, to support the line held by Reno, which had 
been hotly engaged all day, and the division was recalled, and 
brought back to the Sudley Springs road, for this purpose." 

Our own brigade was already nearly approaching Reynolds 
from the rear when this order recalled us. As we reached the road 

* 

and halted until the column should close up. General McDowell 
again rode up from the left. He was in quite a passion from his 
own personal endeavors to drive up a lot of stragglers desperate 
and defiant with their sufferings, and we were hurried forward with- 
out delay. We had yet to traverse an arid plain which seemed 
interminable, and without a human habitation in sight, no fences or 
signs of cultivation, only a few stunted, dried down shrubs apologiz- 
ing for the wasted forests that once stood upon the exhausted soil. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 257 

Half way across this, and the torments of thh'st were becoming' 
unbearable, when a low belt of willows in the distance gave promise 
of water. A few from each company obtained permission to run on 
in advance and fill a few canteens before the column should come 
up. Our brigade was separated from the division and moving 
under special orders across the field, and as we hurried on others 
joined until the squad grew to quite a detachment, every one trying 
to be the first in the race. At last we reached the hollow and 
dashed in. There, around the low limits of a sunken spring whose 
only outlet seemed to be the thirsty soil, sat a group of stragglers ; 
stripped to the knees and bathing their feet in the only water to be 
found for miles around. With a thirsty screech we charged them, and 
catching up their traps they skulked away ; while, too eager to 
attempt the chastisement they deserved, down upon our faces we 
went, j:)lunging like thirsty horses our very nostrils and eyes into 
the cool water, breathing through our ears if we breathed at all, 
until we could hold no more. Then we began to remember our 
equally thirsty comrades, and hastily to fill our canteens, and when 
the head of the column came up and I fell into my place, a dense 
crowd was pressing into the green spot. 

It was near dusk when we reached the Warrenton turnpike, 
and, after a short halt, while plentiful water was dipped up from a 
branch of the Bull Run, fouled as it was by the horses of cavalry 
and artillery, we moved up the pike. 

General Pope * had, at half-past four, sent peremptory orders 
to Fitz John Porter " to push forward at once into action on the 
enemy's right, and, if possible, to turn his rear," — stating to him 
generally the condition of things on the field in front, — and, at 
about half-past five, when in compliance with this order, he should 
have been coming into action, Heintzleman and Reno were directed 
to assault the enemy's left. The attack was made with great gal- 
lantry, and the enemy's left doubled back upon his centre, our 
forces, after a sharp engagement of an hour and a half, occupying 
the field, with the dead and wounded in their hands. 

It was at this moment that our division arrived at the scene ot 
action, and were pushed immediately to the front, along the turn- 
pike, with orders to fall upon the enemy then in full retreat in that 
direction, from Sudley Springs. 

Here, then, was the turning point of the day, it might be of the 

*See Pope's Report, page 21. 



258 CHRONICLES OF THE 

campaign ; a stricken, disheartened and flying foe before us, — and 
how our pulses bounded and our hearts rose, as hoping to turn the 
retreat into a rout we hurried on, — cheers rising from the massed 
columns resting as we pass the positions they have won so well, all 
fatigue forgotten in the excitement, and our inspirited men moving 
swiftly on to complete the work, never doubting but that the right 
is also beaten and Porter's force victoriously pressing on. As our 
column crests the hill at the Dogan House, * the advance has 
already engaged the enemy, but that rapid and heavy firing can 
never come from a flying foe. And now Bayard's cavalry move up 
on our right, and as the squadrons gallop into line and move on 
prepared to charge, we see in the now gathering darkness a sheet 
of lurid flame leap from the black edge of the woods upon our left, 
sudden shouts, the rattle of hoofs and the crack of quick sharp 
volleys commingled with the ringing of steel and yells of maddened 
and wounded men, and then we move suddenly from the pike to 
the right, into the fields below the house, and all is lost to us but 
the din. We in the ranks have quite enough to do without watch- 
ing now for the shifting scenery and new phases of this grand 
spectacular night tragedy ; we must leave that to the staff" officers, 
who will soon perhaps see us approaching from the side scenes to 
take our own part in the play. 

While there is still the faintest glow in the west, we reach a 
high corn field some distance to the right of the pike. In front of a 
hill, at its foot a deep wide trench ; the brigade is formed in line 
by columns in division doubled on the centre, the Twenty-First 
upon the right, in the corn field, and the balance extending leftward 
toward the road, or " pike." The word is given to advance ; it is 
now pitchy dark, and we grope forward, keeping our lines carelully 
dressed ; there is a slight break as we scramble through the ditch ; 
order is renewed, and then we move up the grassy hill side. The 
top seemed to be evenly rounded, and when we deployed into line, 
and lay down to wait for the enemy's advance, we brought the 
summit dimly between us and the sky, and. found that there was 
only, and immediately in our front, a rise of about a foot between 
us and its highest part. 

Captain Layton now took the lead in deploying a line of skirm- 
ishers out upon our right, into the corn fields, to feel for the enemy. 
It was ticklish work, there in the solemn darkness groping with out- 

*'l'he stone house upon the hill, just above where Young's branch crosses the turnpike. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 259 

Stretched hands to find a foe. General Patrick and our Colonel 
stood in the centre, and our orders were to reserve our fire until 
they came between us and the sky. So we hugged the ground, 
each man glancing along his piece and feeling the accuracy of its 
level, or trying to catch the gleam of the polished barrel by which 
to aim. Directly in front was a dark object which I at first took 
for a rock, until a slight movement and a deep groan showed it to 
be a horse, probably wounded during the day's fight, and now 
near his end. 

A sound of feet warns of some living thing coming from a 
direction from which none but foes can come, and each one holds 
his breath and steadies his hand, and glances eagerly over his ready 
musket. Something stirs obscurely against the horizon, and the 
Colonel's cautious whisper restrains the too ready. It is one or a 
thousand; it comes nearer and we see that he is as yet but one; 
feeling his way anxiously, nearer, within a few feet, his musket over 
his shoulder, and now he pauses and again takes a hesitating 
step or two. " What regiment be you boys," and our Colonel 
who has advanced to the line answers by a whispered invitation to 
"step in here, and be quiet," and as he comes in reach, two of the 
boys stretch up and "grab" him; he stoops with shaking knees, 
drops his piece and pleads for gentle usage. 

And wljile the Colonel examines him, to find that the poor 
fellow is a stray grayback looking for his regiment, which he thinks 
ought to be here, we turn our regards again to the front. Almost 
simultaneous with the return of Major Thomas, to report an 
approach, we hear them ; first a subdued murmur, then the clanking 
of arms, and the "scuffing" tread of feet in the dry grass, and then 
the words of command and exhortation. Again we clutch the piece 
and hug the ground and watch against the sky ; and then we clearly 
hear the "halt" and "close up," echoed along their line, and the 
subdued voices of angry officers urge up the laggards and the 
grumblers. Every word is now distinctly audible, but nothing can 
we see ; their line is evidently halted to restore order, and in a 
moment they will advance again. Suddenly — " crash. ''^ and a 
stream of flame bursts from our left and dashes in repetition along 
the line toward us, and then comes the reply ; and now the bullets 
begin to hum in myriads just above our heads; there is the steady 
rattle and roll of musketry hotly engaged, and the sudden blinding 
flashes which reveal nothing and leave the night blacker; cries go 
up sharply in the din, orders or agonies, who stops to know ? And 



26o CHRONICLES OF THE 

now there is a cheer, they have fallen back, and before we hardly take 
in the idea, word comes in from the right that we are being flanked. 

Back with anxious haste, across the ditch, and into the corn field 
again, and then we hear the balance of the brigade getting back 
upon the hill at the Dogan House ; we move in column toward the 
left and the order is given, " On the left, by file, into line ! " which 
will bring us fronting the line of expected attack. As we file off", a 
regiment is lying in double column so near that I might stoop and 
touch its nearest men, as I turn. The movement is but half accom- 
plished, and we are in the worst possible position for an attack, 
when from our rear where lie those men comes a sudden volley ; too 
high, for the balls fly overhead, and I hear a cry of agony passing 
me with a rush of a flying horse, shouts of " who are you firing at," 
and a rattling return from the hill behind us. Each man pauses 
paralyzed by this sudden and unexplained attack, and then the 
voice of General Patrick thunders out a {^^^ quick commands, each 
company forms separately and hurries up the hill, between the 
guns of a battery, in front of the Dogan House, which has been 
narrowly restrained from pouring a charge of grape into our faces, 
mistaking us for rebels, and we lie down panting and bewildered. 

It was soon evident that a force of the enemy had stumbled 
there in our rear in the dark, and waiting wisely until chance favored 
their escape, had fired a parting volley over our he^ds and into 
another of our own regiments, provoking from them a volley in 
return. The left of the brigade had fallen back upon discovering 
that a strong flanking force was moving down the pike, and in the 
darkness a terrible melee ensued in the ditch, where it was almost 
impossible to distinguish friend from foe. Our loss in killed and 
missing was small ; many were wounded, among them Lieutenant 
Bouvier of Patrick's staff, and some were known to be prisoners. 
We had also captured a number of the enemy. 

Our division had been repulsed. Instead of a flying foe they had 
encountered the fresh forces of Longstreet, who had driven Ricketts 
back at the Gap on the evening of the 2Sth, and had now hastened to 
the aid of Jackson. Porter might have completed, upon the enemy's 
right, the work so nobly commenced upon ours, before this help 
arrived ; * now it was too late, and the rebel centre stood firm, 
although his entire left was forced back upon it, leaving the field 
where Heintzleman and Reno advanced, in our hands, with the 
dead and wounded of the enemy. Our losses are reported at 

* For this failure Porter was cashiered. At this time (1886), Congress and the President have, 
upon a last review of the case, restored him to the army and retired him. — Committee republishing 
these Chronicles. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 261 

between six and eight thousand killed and wounded. Generals 
Hooker and Kearney, who passed over the entire field to our left 
on the morning of the 30th, estimated the loss of the enemy as being 
at least two to our one. 

Upon the hill among the guns of the battery, the Dogan House, 
where Dr. Peters had established his hospital and was caring for 
the wounded, just in our rear, we lay the balance of the night. The 
pickets of the enemy were hardly more than a stone's throw in front, 
so near that ours could hear every word passed among them, and 
now and then a shot was exchanged. The 23d did the picket duty, 
and so tired were the men that it was found almost impossible to keep 
them awake, in the very reach of the enemy. All night the wail of the 
rebel wounded was heard far across the field, and to those who 
must keep the weary watch the hours dragged like ages. The 
fatigue of the day and the horrors of the night had so impressed 
the minds of all, that sleep hardly sufficed to compose, and dreams 
of bloodshed and horror stirred not a few moiled brains. One man, 
I remember, got upon his feet in his sleep, discharged his musket 
into the air, and then quietly lay down again, unconscious of what 
he had done. 

Morning came, and we stretched our stiffened limbs and looked 
about us. Here upon the hill lay some of the dead of the day 
before, and scattered across the field in front were hundreds more. 

The sun rose in all its glory ; many among us were never to 
see him set again ; many would see him go down upon a lost t]eld, 
and hundreds were there who chen would be couched in agony 
upon it. But the few hours to come were as unreadable as the 
sealed book of fate, and " August 30th " was the last date inscribed 
ypon the life book of many a hero whose hand would never make 
another entry. 

Moving a little to the rear of the house, to be out of view of 
the enemy, we got our breakfast and prepared for the day's duties. 
Few, of us, perhaps, imagined that these would include much real 
fighting. All so quiet along the lines, the severe treatment and 
losses of the enemy the day before, and the need both armies had 
of rest, seemed to lessen the probability. Our own division especi- 
ally, after its hardships of the last few days, needed a breathing 
spell. So, early in the day, we were marched oft" about a mile to 
the right and rear and into the woods, where we stacked arms, 
relieving ourselves of (mr harness, and selected the best resting 
place among the trees. On our way, we could see along the 



262 . CHRONICLES OF THE 

valleys, in distant hollows and upon the hillsides, the long lines of 
infantry, and scattered batteries, arms gleaming in burnished ranks 
in the sun. It looked much as though business was again the 
expected order of the day. Hardly had we got comfortably set- 
tled when the shell began to come with their peculiar fluttering 
whiz, and bounce into the earth or dash against the trees around ; 
the artillery on both sides had commenced shelling the woods, and 
our lair soon became too warm for comfort. Orders now came for 
us to move and take position on the right of Sigel, and our Colonel 
and General Patrick immediately rode away in search of his posi- 
tion. When they returned we " took arms," and moved on through 
the woods, emerging at last in their rear where Sigel's line should 
have been, but true to his reputed characteristics, the " Flying 
Dutchman" had vanished, not a sign of his ubiquitous column was 
to be seen, and so we again formed in division and lay down. The 
firing was gradually increasing, and we felt a presentment that we 
should soon be called for ; so a detail was allowed to go to a ravine 
some distance back to fill the canteens, and the remainder busied 
themselves in cleaning and putting the arms in order ; a duty the 
experienced soldier will never neglect. For some time each man 
had carried a hundred rounds of cartridges, forty in the box, and 
six extra packages stowed in the waist of his blouse. These last 
were now unpacked and stuffed into the pockets ready for use, and 
then we again stretch ourselves upon the ground to wait for orders. 

Shortly after noon a general movement began among the 
massed troops, extending as far as we could see to our left and rear, 
batteries limbered up and moved with infantry columns towards the 
front, and then came orders for us to join our division, which was 
forming upon the Warrenton turnpike about a mile to our left. 

As we moved down the Sudley Springs road, toward the pike, 
and neared the Dogan House, a splendid pageant opened to view. 
All through the vistas and along its slopes were massed the waiting 
hosts, quietly preparing for their trial hour, standing to their arms 
in readiness for the word to advance ; and the sight thrilled me with 
something of the olden fire, and at that moment not a doubt dark- 
ened the coming hour. The artillery prelude, an ominous voluntary 
preparing us for the tragic scene upon which the curtain must shortly 
rise, had already begun, and the shell were hurtling through the air 
and dropping among us from unseen batteries, as we filed out across 
the pike and formed in a corn field just to the rear of the Dogan 
House. Our left rested upon Young's branch of the Bull Run just 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 263 

where it winds across the pike and between the hills, and in this shel- 
tered spot the surgeons were already busy over prostrate, pale and 
bloody men, doing their rough but kindly offices. While a last 
opportunity offered, many of us collected the dry corn stalks, built 
little fires, and boiled a last cup of coffee ; for we knew we should 
need its stimulus before night. 

Generals and staff officers galloped among the lines and grouped 
themselves here and there upon the hill tops in front ; aids rode 
madly to and fro ; and, strange sight for such an hour, a beautiful 
woman in a tightly fitting habit of gray, with a single attendant, rode 
slowly across our front, seemingly unmindful of the warning shell, 
and almost unwillingly moving toward the rear ; the wife of one of 
our Generals they said, and probably the pang of a late parting under 
the cloud of impending danger was stronger than her woman fears. 
And then began a shifting and moving of lines, and short, quick 
words of command were passed, our General rode rapidly up, and 
at our Colonel's call the line straightened up, we were faced by the 
right, and shortly took our way up the road, past the Dogan House, 
and down to a point some distance farther than we went the night 
before. Here our line of battle was being formed. Across the road 
and to the right and left they were moving, closing up and lying 
down in the short grass, for the shell were now plunging thick and 
madly all around. As our column turned off to the right, we saw 
here the Zoviaves of Duryea, conspicuous among a host, in worn and 
dirty blue, with their bright red caps and trowsers. Away to the 
right, just in rear of an old by-road, and to the distant wood, the 
lines were forming ; this was the first, and others were closing in our 
rear to support the onset. 

We reach the woods, and pass to their rear. Oxer this ground 
the troops of Schurz, Schenck, and Milroy had fought the day before, 
and we stepped over bodies in blue and in gray, blackening together 
in the sun. It was a ghastly approach to the battle hour, a field then 
spread with the revolting tokens of carnage, whereof the mad fiush 
of danger dared had passed, and from over which the sulphurous, 
blinding, frenzying battle cloud had floated away, leaving it bare in 
all its horrors. But wt have no time to feel ; in eager haste we are 
hurried on, and our line is formed and shifted, and moved again, 
while in front the dread stillness and silence of the woods is broken 
only by rare musket discharges, and we can dimly see our skirmish- 
ers gliding from tree to tree, and crawling from cover to cover, while 
scattering balls whistle past them and over our heads. 



264 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Our line is too far to the right, and we march back some distance, 
then up to the edge of the wood and halt. Our line is already in 
advance. It is the brigade of General Hatch, who to-day is in com- 
mand of the cli\ision. Patrick's brigade forms the second line ; the 
Twenty-First has the right, then comes the 20th N. Y., their front partly 
covered by the wood ; to the left still farther, the 23d and 35th N. Y. 

And now comes the word to advance, and our line has to break 
among the trees. Here lie the dead in groups, telling of bloody 
work at this point yesterday, — work with the bayonet. Just within 
the edge I must step over a spot whose concentrate horrors might 
haunt an age of dreams, and which I shudder to recollect, and must 
not describe. Half through this belt of wood, and we come upon a 
broken line, not of our division, and the Colonel tries to drive them 
up. An officer explains why they are there, and we pass on. Close 
up to the farther edge of the wood and we halt, the line is dressed, 
and we wait. And now the firing on our right grows more rapici, 
and still faster, and now it approaches ; we hear nothing else, we can 
only see through the trees in front the scattering tops of others tinged 
with the battle mist, and as yet no tiding or token from our first line. 
Anxious moments pass ; stray balls chip the trees and whiz among 
us, coming hotter and faster each moment, and not a grayback in 
sight. A sudden movement in the line, a sharp cry of pain, and one 
ot " B's" men is helped to the rear, the first man hurt.* And now 
we are ordered to lie down. Higher grows the turmoil, and thicker 
and louder come the angry messengers. Another of "B's" men 
straightens out quietly and the death mark is in his face. No time 
for words, only a mad swelling of the heart and a throb of the brain, 
and a deadly thirst for answering blood dries up all other feeling as 
poor Johnnie Hatch is lifted back. Here it comes ! Something 
seems to have loosened the slow wheels of chariots, and a roaring 
din like the bursting of pent up waters rushes along our front. Gen- 
eral Hatch gallops up in hot haste, and screams out an order, anci 
behind him a storm seems roaring down. And then, clear as a bugle 
above the din, our Colonel's voice sings out : 

''' Rise up Tiventy - First ! Fix Bayonets! Forward! Do^lbIe 
quick! March!" • 

Oh! the wild thrill of that moment, will ages obliterate its recol- 
lection? A look into my comrade's eyes as the bayonets clatter and 
clash into fixedness, another right and left as at the word our line 

'•'■John A Hayward, when convalescent was detailed at Halleck's Headquarters as Clerk. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 265 

sways forward, officers leaping to the front and waving on with flash- 
ing swords, then steadily into the front with eager gaze. At the edge 
of the wood is a road, washed deep and banked high on the other 
side. With a cheer we come out from among the trees, and an 
answering hell-blast sweeps with sudden fury in our faces. The storm 
seems in one flash to burst upon us, the air is instinct with sudden 
life, and volley upon \'olley peals in our faces. For one awful moment 
the line struggles in the road, screams of agony and hoarse commands 
mingle, and all around men are lying down to die. The road is full 
of the first line men, crowded along the fence and firing through the 
lower rails. Over them, over the fence, and on. 

Yes, on! "Into the jaws of death, into the mouth of hell.'' 
Every man leans forward as though breasting a heavy wind. From 
right, left and front, we feel the pounding breath of batteries, grape 
and cannister sweep broad gaps in our little line, and it melts like the 
first snow of winter before this awful wind of bullets. Right and left 
see them go down ; brothers of many camp fires, down \\'ith glazed 
eyes and calm faces, and still, on. 

A hundred yards from the fence is their first line, and behind, 
the hill sides swarm with gray, dimly seen through puffing lines of 
smoke that drift in our faces. They are in thousands, we are one 
line. Never vc\\\\A, forward ! Ten steps from the fence, and Tom 
Bishop goes down with the colors. Our company is next them and 
there is a rush. Hurrah, Dan Sheldon has got them and his noble 
face is transfigured as he flings out the folds high and free, and strides 
on. Brave Dan ; a ball strikes that forehead and he falls upon the 
dear old flag. And now two stages of ten steps each have cost each 
a man. Yet there are plenty more. Henry Spicer of " F" is next 
upon the glorious list, and he too is born to immortality. Half down 
the slope, and the left is wheeling round to bring our line fronting 
upon an old railroad embankment that literally swarms with the 
enemy. Our right has reached it and is hand to hand in the death 
struggle. The centre nears it swiftly, I have almost reached the 
ditch, when a stunning blow seems to tear me in two and I find 
myself doubled up in its dry bed ; not dry, it* was so an hour ago, 
now it is wet with blood. 

How long the battle rages here I- cannot say. Like a dream in 
which minutes are ages, around me I dimly see the shifting changes 
of the fight. The ditch is deep with the wounded and dead, the 
living seek its shelter from which to pick off the swarming foe. Our 
Colonel, cool as on parade, walks along the edge encouraging his 



266 CHRONICLES OF THE 

men, who fight with the energy of desperation. All around they are 
dropping, quietly, or crawling to the ditch, or toward the rear ; the 
thick smoke enx'elopes all, the ceaseless roar of batteries and musketry, 
the wail of the leaden tempest, the shriek and crash of shell and 
shrapnel, the yells of excited officers and blood maddened men, 
mingle wierdly in my befogged brain, as I lie here between the dying 
and the dead. 

And now they have turned our right ; where are the troops that 
should make the line continuous ? it is evident they are not there. A 
withering blast sweeps the ditch, and hurtles across that rearward 
slope. Our men are rallying, "few and faint, yet fearless still," 
where the old flag, torn with bullets and its guardian eagle swept away, 
still flies defiantly. Spicer fell dead upon it long ago, and more have 
fallen with it since. 

And now comes the order, "Fall back! Twenty-First! 
Steadily ! " and the tide begins to ebb. With fixed bayonets the 
encroaching rebels force back our weak line. The lines that should 
ha\'e supported us are back at the fence by the woods, firing down 
past and over us, and helping to keep them in check. As I crawled 
out of the ditch and make my way painfully to the rear, the balls 
skip across, follow and meet my way, and shell howl and burst above. 
A group of three start with me, two supporting one ; a charge of 
grape flutters along and they all go down together. It is horrible to 
hear the balls strike into the dead, and see them stir with sudden 
mockery of life. And behind, our boys are sullenly falling back, still 
fewer. I reach the road, and already it is nearly deserted. The 
Adjutant of the 14th Brooklyn rides frantically up and down with 
whirling saber, halting and trying to form the stragglers of his 
brigade. Here too the bullets cross the way, and the gray-backs 
swarm in the road just above. And now a comrade gives me his 
arm ; the retreating waves are close behind, we must push hard or 
we are stranded. Out of the woods, through the lines of batteries, 
past the stone house, he carries me and I am shoved into the last 
ambulance. Ten minutes later cavalry and artillery come down in 
full retreat, and our train starts. I rise upon my elbow ; the sun is 
setting beyond the field in gory refulgence, I can see the rebel 
artillery taking the positions -we have just left, and their shell are 
already dropping among the ambulances, while our own send back 
responses from new positions on the hills in front. 

The day was done ; darkness closed around, and then came 
black hours of alternate misery and unconsciousness, while the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



267 



hearse-like ambulance bumped and reeled over the rocky hills. 
My marching days were over, ended with those of thousands 
who went out in their young strength and came back shorn. Here 
ends my own part in the story of those days, and for the succeeding 
pages I must draw from the experience of my more fortunate 
comrades, who saw the campaign through to its glorious end, while I 
passed long dreary months in the crowded hospital. 




268 CHRONICLES OF THE 



CHAPTER XV 



After the battle.— The Fight at Chantilly.— " My Maryland."— March to South Mountain.— Death 
of Captain Hayward. — Battle oi South Mountain, September 14th, 1862.— A Victory, and its 
cost. — The Rebel Rout. — Appearance of the field. — Pursuit of the enemy. — He is overtaken 
at Antietam, and we again prepare for battle. 



PREVIOUS to, and during- the retreat from Culpepper, our 
regiment had been much reduced in numbers, by sickness and 
the fatigues of the march ; so that we had in all only about four 
hundred men on the morning of the 30th of August. Out of that 
number seventy-eight men and nine oflicers reached Centreville at 
one o'clock that night. On leaving the field Adjutant Sternberg, 
who had distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery, had 
rallied seventy-five men and officers ; more had joined on the road, 
but wounds and the fatigues of the day compelled many to fall behind. 
Colonel Rogers, Major Thomas, Captains Lee, Canfield and Wheeler, 
Lieutenants Efner, Barney, Myers and Mulligan, were all more or less 
severely wounded ; Lieutenant Mulligan, mortally. Captain 
Washburne and Lieutenant Whitney were killed. The number of 
known killed and wounded amounted to one hundred and sixty men, 
nearly all of whom were left upon the field, and some sixteen more 
were still unaccounted for and reported m7ssi7ig. From the reports 
and muster-out rolls I make the following list, which shows a loss of 
fifty men killed and one hundred and thirteen wounded and sent to 
hospital, saying nothing of those who were able to stay with the 
regiment ; and the number of those absolutelv uninjured was fearfuU}- 
small, nearly every man hax'ing at least a slight memento in the shape 
of a cut or contusion, some so se\ere as to necessitate their being 
afterward sent to hospital. 

The following list of our killed, wounded and missing, is from the 
muster-out rolls, and the report of Doctors Miner and Eastman, who 
came immediately after the battle, from Buffalo, to ascertain the 
number and condition of our wounded, and \\hat could be done 
for them. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 269 

Colonel William F. Rogers, received a spent ball in the left groin, but continued 
on duty as commander of the brigade. 

Major H. G. Thomas, severely wounded in both thighs and left groin ; sent 
home. 

Adjutant C. W. Sternberg, left leg injured by spent ball ; on duty. 

Company " A." — Private Jasper F. Richardson, killed by ball in right lung; 
Sergeant Francis Myers, bullet in right thigh ; Sergeant Henry Klein, right arm and 
side, severe; vSergeant Fred. Sommers, right leg, lay on the field seven days, 
discharged; private Christian Henry, thigh ; private Jacob Breitweiser, jaw; private 
John W. Doney, both thighs; private Thaddeus M. Fowler, left leg, severe, 
discharged ; private William Mang, right leg. 

Company " B." — Lieut. Algar M. Wheeler, thigh, slight; Lieut. Jas. J. 
McLeish, slightly; Color Sergeant Thomas W. Bishop, right breast; Sergeant 
Joshua G. Towne, leg, severe ; Corporal John M. Lutz, shoulder, severe, 
discharged; Corporal John A. Balcolm, killed by ball in left breast; private John P. 
Hatch, killed; private Henry M. Hill, killed ; private William Dole, killed ; Corporal 
Jacob F. Shoenthal, killed; private George Krauskoff, right arm, mortal; private 
Charles A. Swartz, left arm, mortal ; private Charles M. Andre, face, severe, 
discharged; private Edward Van Ornam, wounded severely and discharged ; private 
Henry Gross, back ; private John A. Hayward, leg, severe; private Henry Papey, 
right shoulder ; private Frank Stacy, right arm ; taken prisoner and paroled ; private 
Louis P. Beyer, both legs ; private Frank Stephan, head ; private Elbridge G. Fenton, 
right arm; private John O'Donnell, neck; private Benjamin J. Parker, head ; private 
Newman U. Goodrich, thigh ; slightly. 

Company " C." — Captain Jeremiah P. Washburne, killed and left on the field ; 
private William R. Jeudevine, killed; private William G. Rice, killed ; private Charles 
B. Stone, killed ; private Albert R. Swartz, killed ; private Almond B. Darling, breast, 
mortal; private Charles R. Peck, lungs, mortal; private Horace M. Rose, head, 
mortal; Lieutenant George Hurst, right hand, finger amputated; Sergeant Robert 
S. Wilcox, leg; Sergeant John Hoy, ankle; private Isaac L. Gary, leg, severe, 
discharged; Corporal Charles H. Gundlach, discharged ; private Walter J. Gibson, 
foot, severe, discharged ; private Robert Sutcliffe, groin, severe, discharged ; 
Corporal Edgar A. Langham, right shoulder, severe; private Louis Brandell, left 
foot ; private Warren B. Gibbs, hand ; private A. Johnson, nature of wound unknown. 

Company " D." — Sergeant John M. Brainard, missing since battle, un- 
doubtedly killed ; private Marvin Montague, also missing and undoubtedly killed; 
private Daniel H. Sheldon, killed with the colors in his hands; private Tobias 
Gasser, killed; private A. Preston Dunlap, lost right arm, discharged; Sergeant 
James S. Gowans, right hip ; private Paul Homelius, leg, discharged; private George 
N. Merrill, right lung and shoulder, severe, discharged ; private J. Harrison Mills 
left groin, severe, discharged ; private John N. Peabody, left thigh and ankle, 
severe, discharged ; private Pierce Hurley, nature of wound unknown ; private Frank 
Robinson, mouth; private John Rehm, arm; private Charles M. Fox, abdomen. 

Company " E." — Lieutenant William L. Whitney, shot through both legs, and 
supposed to have died on the field ; Lieutenant Charles E. Efner, breast ; Corporal 
John Hermann, died of his wounds ; private John Burke, killed ; private William 
Craw, shoulder, proved mortal; private Augustus Kline, killed; private John 
Andrews, right leg, unfit for duty during remainder of his term ; private Byron 



270 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Chaftee, right tliigh, severe, discharged inconsequence; private Archibald Johnson, 
right hand, severe, discharged; Sergeant Nathaniel Lindley, right fore-arm ; 
Sergeant Caleb C. McCready, side and foot; private George Peterson, leg badly 
broken; private George Kaverlein, thigh and leg; private Michael Morgan, leg; 
private Jacob Randall, foot, missing. 

Company " F." — (Color Company.) — Sergeant Henry Spicer, killed .with the 
colors in his hands, by a ball in the left breast; Corporal Jacob Bellair, died of his 
wounds; Corporal John Johnson, died of his wounds; private John Burke, killed; 
Corporal Lafferty Nellis, killed ; private William W. Bemenf, killed ; private William 
B. Constantine, killed ; private George Mahley, killed ; private Herbert L. De Puy, 
wounded and missing, undoubtedly killed; private John W. Moore, died of his 
wounds ; Lieutenant John A. Barney, left thigh, severe, discharged ; Sergeant 
William B. fewett, breast and thigh, severe, Sergeant Lyman E. Cobb, left thigh, 
severe, discharged ; Corporal Joseph Billanger, Jr., shoulder and throat, severe ; 
private Charles K. Lillibridge, right leg; private James McCarty, side and nates, 
severe, discharged ; private George Dupont, right thigh, severe, crippled for life ; 
private Frank W. Lucas, left thigh ; [irivate Nicholas Morris, wound unknown ; 
private Milton Moon, ball through left foot; private Peter Schyer, right thigh, died 
December i8th, 1862; private Theron Schell, lost left arm, promoted Corporal on 
the field for bravery, discharged; private Jacob Krettner, Jr., thigh and shoulder; 
private Michael Whalon, right arm. 

Company "G." — Captain (afterward Major) Edward L. Lee, left hip, severe; 
Lieutenant (afterward Captain) Daniel Myers, Jr., right thigh and arm, severe, sent 
home; private George Kurtz, killed; private John Shoemaker, killed; private 
William Miller, killed ; private John H. Wolff, killed ; private John Beard, thigh, 
died of his wound ; Sergeant Charles Myers, right arm, severe, discharged ; 
Corporal George Weidrich, right arm broken, discharged ; Corporal William 

Hessinger, left shoulder; private Jacob Leonard, , discharged; private James 

Beaton, hand; private Orlando F. Day, left thigh, missing; private Nicholas Gerger, 
wounded and missing; private Christian Hines, head, missing; private George 
Partridge, right side; private Frederick Roberts, jaw; private Julius Sheffel, left 
leg; private Peter Wirt, slight wound; private Michael Zurbrick, right leg; private 
Frederick Wright, nature of wound unknown ; private T. Davis, nature of wound 
unknown ; private John Knowl, right thigh. 

Company " H." — Private Charles Stoddard, killed ; 'Corporal Kurt Rinckleben, 
missing ever since, supposed to have been killed, known to have been severely 
wounded while bearing the colors; private Charles A. Ewers, missing since and 
supposed killed; Sergeant James B. Cole, abdomen, died of his wounds; private 
Frederick Schuchert, died of his wounds ; private Christian Brackenlicker, unknown, 
severe wound ; private Alexander Petrie, leg; private Frank Huber, side and arm; 
private Sanford Freeman, right arm ; private Francis Ottenot, right thigh ; private 
Alexander Johnson, right hip; private Michael Biller, right fore-arm ; private Moses 
La Point, .shoulder; private Charles Stever, wound unknown; private Kratz Lapeer, 
wound unknown ; private Solomon Weatherwax, bayonet thrust in ankle and thigh. 

Company " L" — Captain John H. Canfield, ball through left foot, disabled 
and discharged; Lieutenant James S. Midligan, left lung, remained on the field five 
days, taken home and died of his wound ; Corporal Stanley Porter, killed ; private 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 27I 

Charles Benzino, killed; private John Diegle, killed; private John \\. McKay, 
killed; private Charles T. Shiels, left groin, severe, disabled; private Charles 
Dougherty; private John Brunk, neck, missing; private Jacob Hart, right leg; 
private J. Hewes, right arm, missing; private Peter J. Falb, both legs; private Peter 
Brunnel, left shoulder; private Jacob Hodick, face; private Charles Haggerty, lost 
left little finger ; private Henry S. Holmes, right leg ; private David Loughrey, index 
finger, right hand; private George Quinton, left arm. 

COMP.'VNY " K." — Sergeant John W. Comstock, bullet fast in right shoulder, 
disabled and discharged; Corporal William E. Hubble, face; private William H. 
Mo )re, side and arm, discharged; private Edward V. Babcock, thigh; private 
Alfred F. May, foot; private Charles Morselow, struck by a shell and a bullet wound 
from right shoulder to hip, discharged ; private Philip Mallion, wound unknown. 

The report of Doctors Miner and Eastman closes as follows : 

We take great pleasure in saying that these wounded soldiers are very kindly 
attended hy both physicians and nurses, and in their hospital quarters are very 
comfortable, being supplied freely with clean shirts and drawers and white clean 
bedding. Their wounds are properly dressed, and their food is nutritious and 
regularly supplied. We have been careful to examine their wounds, and judge for 
ourselves as to their prospects for recovery, and shall be happy to give any friends 
who may call upon us full particulars of the condition of each one visited. They are 
generally cheerful, and hopeful, and upon our appearance and an explanation of the 
object of our mi:-sion, we were greeted with many expressions of gratitude, a smile 
of joy lighting up the sid countenances of those in the greatest pain and distress. It 
has been a tiresome and sad, but by no means a thankless task ; ihe soldier has made 
m.^ny expressions of gratitude, nut only thanking us, l)ut those through whose 
thoughtfulness and generosity we visitetl them. It has been a great pleasui^ for them 
to feel that they were remembered by the people of Buffalo. They wear the 
unmistakable marks of most heroic bravery; have won for themselves imperishable 
honor, and will ever be rememl)ered with pride by their many friends. 

SANFORD EASTMAN. 
JULIUS F. MINER. 

To enumerate the instances of personal bravery shown upon 
this ill star-red field, would take more time and room than we can 
spare ; let the record of our loss tell how our regiment strove that 
day, and who can ask a more eloquent panegyric ? The dead sleep 
well, and of the living we can only say, what will most gratify them, 
that each man did his duty, and did it well. 

The following extracts are clipped from letters by Colonel 
Rogers, published in the Buffalo Courier : 

Our regiment formed the second line of battle, but for some cause or other it 
was denominated the third, and mamieuvred as such while advancing into the woods. 
Under the orders of General Hatch, the lines advanced steadily through the woods, 
on the outer edge of which was a roadway and a rail fence. At the distance of about 
one hundred yards from the woods, and running diagonally with its front, was a 
railroad embankment, behind which the enemy were posted in strong force, with line 



272 CHRONICLES OF THE 

after line of supports. The line in our front hesitated when it reached the fence, 
being received by a galling fire from the entrenched foe. General Hatch rode along 
the rear of our line, and shouted at the top of his voice, " forward," and directed the 
second line to advance. Forward it did advance, and became mingled with the 
first, which for a moment created some confusion. There was no hesitation, 
however, over the fence and into the open ground, 

" Into the jaws of death," 
Rushed the Five Hundred. 

Terrible indeed was the fire that greeted us. The musketry fire was incessant, 
while shot and shell from well posted batteries enfiladed the space over which we 
charged. About half way between the woods and the embankment was a ditch 
perhaps two feet deep, into which the men were directed to take shelter and engage 
the enemy. It proved a safe refuge for many of our brave boys, who here maintained 
their ground until directed to fall back. Many of them were killed and wounded 
while retiring. When the color bearer was shot down another would grasp it. One 
of them was wounded trying to reach the woods, when Lieutenant Wheeler of 
Company " B," seized them and brought them safely out, the men rallying around as 
he regained the wood. Soon afler the order reached us to retire further to the 
rear. The day was lost. Far and wide over the immense field could be seen the 
flying fugitives, while here and there, retiring slowly, and in good order, came 
regiment after regiment. I am proud to say that our brigade was among the latter, 
frequently halting to support a battery that turned to give the advancing rebels a 
parting compliment. On every promontory would the batteries wheel and make a 
stand, contestmg every foot of ground. I noticed one scene not often witnessed. 
One of our batteries posted on a commanding eminence was replying to one of the 
enemy's far to its left. On its right emerging from the woods, and advancing in 
beautiful order, appeared a brigade of rebel infantry. They marched steadily forward 
with the evident intention of capturing the battery ; but the gunners did not appear 
to be aware of the proximity of their dangerous foe, but kept steadily at their work, 
firing off to the left. We were too far off to warn them of their danger. Breathless 
I stood ; my very heart almost ceased to beat, and every fibre of my frame wrought 
to its utmost tension, as this magnificent tragedy was being enacted. Slowly and 
steadily the enemy was advancing, the distance was gradually lessening, and every 
moment I expected to see them take the double quick and charge upon the battery. 
Suddenly an officer rode up in rear of the battery, and pointed to the right. Quick 
as thought, the guns were turned upon the advancing foe. Grape and canister, and 
shell opened great gaps in their lines. They lay down upon the ground, but still the 
guns belched forth their destructive fire. Then suddenly rose up a line of infantry 
and poured volley after volley into the prostrate ranks. This was too much for them. 
They broke and fled in beautiful disorder to the cover of the woods, leaving a large 
number of dead and wounded upon the field. 

The whole army was now falling back. Our brigade soon gained the road, 
and crossing Bull Run, marched through Centreville and bivouacked for the night 
outside the entrenchments. 

The behavior of all the officers and men, who have participated in this 
disastrous battle, was all that could be desired. Major Thomas was wounded soon 
after we advanced over the fence towards the enemy, and was forced reluctantly to 



T\\ i;.\TY-l IKST KKGIMIINT. 273 

leave the field. While going to the rear he did good service in rallying the fugitives. 
The Adjutant, too, was conspicuous for his gallantry. 



To Lieutenant H. H. Halsey, of " K," I am indebted for the 
following description of the fight on our left, his being the flank 
company : 

Arrived at the edge of the woods, a rail fence and an open field, but a few rods 
across, were all that separated us from the enemy, who lay at this point, concealed 
behind a railroad embankment directly in our front. 

We halted but a moment to take a rapid view of the work before us, then, 
obedient to the command of General Hatch, who was urging us forward, we leaped 
across the road, over the heads of the line in front of us, and over the fence into the 
open field, where we were met with the most severe shock we had ever experienced. 
A continuous and murderous volley hurled into our ranks like a hurricane, sweeping 
a hundred brave men into eternity. 

Men whose names shall be written on the brightest page of history, were 
dropping dead and wounded on all sides. Here fell Captain Washburne, never to 
rise again on earth. Here fell Lieutenant James S. Mulligan, mortally wounded. 
Here Johnny Hatch, (nephew of our division commander), the life and soul of Co. 
"B's" camp fires, finished life's campaign while it was yet full of hope and promise. 

Many of them I supposed to be stooping or lying down to avoid that storm 
of bullets, but they failed to follow, and now sleep upon that consecrated field. 

It was, I believe, the intention to charge the embankment and take it at the 
point of the bayonet, but it was now impossible, our ranks already broken, from 
pushing through the woods, through the first line and over the fence, " every man 
for himself," because so reduced by this first volley as to be but a scattered line 
of skirmishers, and a charge would be ineffectual. 

About half way between the fence and the embankment was a small ditch 
running nearly parallel with our line, in which, with some skill and manoeuvering, 
the selected few might conceal all but that unimportant part of the soldier's body, the 
head, from the enemy. 

Into this those who reached it " piled promiscuously," and for a few seconds 
very deliberately blazed away at the heads which made the most distinct mark over 
the embankment, occasionally dodging the fire from our own line in the rear; until a 
cheer from behind the fence, sounding to our ears like the advance of our support, 
raised us from the ditch, and forward again; but giving one rapid glance backward, 
and no support being visible, we again drop; not into a ditch, it is not deep enough 
to be called that ; but behind a slight rise in the ground, which we endeavor to 
believe affords a sort of " forlorn hope " protection, if nothing more. 

Yet (2// did not stop here. A few, more daring, unmindful of their comrades, 
rushed on in advance of the line and reached the embankment. 

One in particular I noticed, and all who saw him must have been struck with 
admiration. It was Jacob Schoenthal of " B," I think, who, pulling his cap tight on 
his head, fixed bayonet, seized his musket with a firm hand, and with teeth set, made 
a savage charge, which an old trooper might envy. And he I think was one of those 
killed by the stones thrown down the bank by the enemy. 



274 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Our line, as it entered the field, was not parallel to the railroad embankment, 
the right being nearest, the extreme right being on the ei^ibankment into the enemy's 
line engaged "hand to hand;" but that part of the line being partially covered by 
woods, and there being serious indications of business in our own vicinity, we did 
not find it convenient to make very extensive notes of its movements. 

In advancing across the field the left had swayed toward the right, which, as 
we lay in our " last ditch," left us exposed to an enfilading fire from a battery on our 
left, which poured grape and cannister over our lieads into the woods on the right 
with a terrific crash, that threatens the annihilation of that end of our line. An 
occasional grape reminding tts that we were not forgotten, by walking through a 
haversack, ripping the seam of a coat, or taking a lock of hair " to remember you by." 
It seemed scarcely ten minutes since we left the fence, yet the present state 
of things could not last much longer. 

The rebs were getting impatient and more daring, exposing themselves more 
than was good for their health under the circumstances, one after another standing 
boldly upon the bank, saucily waving the rebel rag, then bounding up and backward 
with a Minnie ball through his heart as a reward for his foolish daring. 

Here we lay in suspense, doing comparatively nothing, yet doing the best we 
could, and waiting for a turn in the affairs which we knew must come soon, though 
we had not much to hope for in our favor. There was no time to think of the past or 
future, the present was enough to occupy both mind and body, and the dusky heads 
raised to aim at us over the embankment, offered sufficient opportunity to display cur 
marksmanship, and make use of our ammunition; which was not alvva^s lost, for the 
frenuent exclamations from our boys, such as " I guess that settled your dnmer," "I'll 
bt't there's a liole in your 'bread Ijasket,' " etc., meant lliat the l)ujiet reached its 
mark, produced the desired effect, and lessened the number of our enemies just one 
each time; or as a lank six foot rebel shows himself above the bank with a huge 
stone raised above his head, with the intention of dashing out the brains of one of the 
few of our boys who were lying flat against the side of the bank, the discharge of a 
rifle near me is accompanied with the remark, " that's played out," which, being 
interpreted, meaneth such a barbarous, uncivilized mode of warfare is not 
countenanced by christians, and the use of the modern invention is much more polite 
and quite as conventional; which argument thereb feels the foixe of, for he deviates 
from his former plan, and as he makes a death leap backward the stone falls harmless 
to the ground. 

While we were i\ms, pleasaiitly occupying our few leisure moments, word came 
from the right that the order is "to fall back;" but it not being a very desirable 
movement to perform, with a heavy fire both in front and rear, our present position 
being comfortably warm, and there being some doubt as to the genuineness of the 
order, we hesitated. 

At this moment a whiz, and a tick on my boot attracted my attention, and I 
discovered one of the 24th New York, who had been slightly wounded before, and 
had crawled behind me in such a manner as to leave his feet on mine, had them both 
taken off by a shot. While I was endeavoring to get a suspender loose to tie around 
his legs and stop the flow of blood, and he heaping bitter curses upon the enemy, 
particularly those who sent that shot, word came that our line had fallen back, and 
the enemy was preparing to charge. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 275 

It takes little time to think, decide and act under such circumstances, and while 
we were debating in our own minds whether it was a greater disgrace to fall back or 
remain "with a certainty of being captured, the enemy was leaping with demon like 
yells over the bank. 

This was the time we took to make our " masterly retreat." The rebs could 
not charge and fire very rapidly at the same time, yet our chances for life were not 
very favorable in facing our own fire and passing in range of the enemy's grape. 

Our "squad," consisting of about a dozen men, urged by such a powerful 
motive, soon reached the ditch we crossed on first entering the field ; into this we 
unanimously dropped, from what motive each man knew best; but perhaps to make 
another stand, supposing from the number of dead and wounded in the ditch there 
were enough to make quite a " show." But finding they were not likely to render 
us much assistance, we were no sooner in than out again, and over the fence where 
some of our own troops were still lying, endeavoring to check the enemy. 

Here in the woods we found General Patrick, quite as calm in appearance, and 
collected as on parade, who directed us to our colors and the remaining portion of 
our regiment, which we found drawn up in line behind a piece of woods near 
the field. 

The regiment, scarcely large enough to be called a company, was marched to 
the rear to form part of a guard to prevent panic stricken men from flying from the 
field, and no such men passed. Every one felt himself a veteian, and the regiment, 
but seventy-five officers and men, felt itself equal to a. full " bounty " regiment. 

The flag, but lately without a rent, was now sufficient evidence that we had 
done our duty and meant that others should do theirs. The shot and shell, though 
not for our "special benefit," tore through the trees, making sad havoc in all 
directions, but they did not have the effect they might have had two hours before. 
We felt more like soldiers now, yet we could not resist the deep melancholy feeling 
oppressing our hearts as we thought of the result of that day's battle, when we had 
hoped for so much. 

It was our first real battle, and we had been defeated, and with this thought 
uppermost in our minds, we took up our line of march in the dark to the rear. 

We now resume our extracts from the letters of Colonel Rogers. 

We rested quietly at Centreville on the night of the battle of Bull Run. In 
the morning we moved about a mile toward Fairfax Court Plouse, and bivouacked 
by the side of the road. About 5 o'clock P. M. General Patrick received orders to 
detail two regiments of his brigade to escort a train from Centreville to Fairfax, a 
distance of eight miles. The rebel cavalry had already commenced to trouble our 
flanks and rear. The Twenty-First and 23d regiments were selected to guard the 
train. The regiments were turned out quickly and moved off. Nothing occurred 
until we were within a mile or two of Fairfax, when the report of artillery was heard 
in our rear. The rebels had brought a light battery down the Warrenton pike, and 
commenced shelling the trains on the Centreville road. Some half a dozen rounds 
were fired. They had no doubt seen our train with its guard, and prudently allowed 
it to pass on a mile or two before making any demonstration, and, satisfied with the 
consternation produced among the teamsters and ambulance drivers, limbered up 
and moved off. Little damage was done aside from the fright, as it had the effect 



276 CHRONICLES OP' THE 

of starting about six regiments of infantry and a battery of artillery, who passed us on 
the road, and I presume never halted until they reached Alexandria. 

We reached Fairfax about 9 P. M., and as our orders required us to go no 
further, we bivouacked for the night. In the morning we started back to join the 
brigade, but met it coming toward us, after proceeding about a mile. 

Joining it, we returned to Fairfax, where the brigade halted. In the afternoon 
orders were received directing us to join the division at Centreville, and we were soon 
in motion. After accomplishing about half the distance, we were turned back by 
General Hooker, and ordered to move over to Germaiitown, on the Warrenton pike. 

The enemy had turned our right and was endeavoring to get in our rear to cut 
off our retreat. Germantown was the point menaced, and General Hooker was 
despatched to thwart his design. How well he accomplished it you already 
know. 

Our brigade moved rapidly to the place assigned it, and occupied the rifle pits 
constructed by the rebels last fall, when they expected us to make an advance from 
Washington. We did not reach it a moment too soon, as we had scarcely occupied 
the pits and planted our battery when a rebel officer, mounted, accompanied by 
several infantry soldiers, made their appearance in the road through the woods. 
Seeing the position occupied, which was one of great strength, they disappeared. The 
attack, however, was made further down to our left, where they were repulsed and 
forced to retire. General Phil Kearney was killed here. 

We remained in the rifle pits all night, and during a violent rain storm. The 
fight was continued long after night set in and during the storm. The roar of artillery 
was mingled with that of thunder, and the flash of our guns was answered by the 
lightnings of Heaven. The enemy was foiled in his attempt to gain our rear, and the 
army was saved. This was the battle of Chantilly. 

We left the pits on the following day, and continuing our march without 
interruption, arrived on Upton Hill about 10 P. M., September 2. 

During the afternoon of the next day, a force of the enemy appeared in front 
of Falls Church, and threw a number of shells into the village, creating a lively 
stampede on a small scale among some cavalry and teamsters lying in the vicinity. 
Our brigade, with a battery, was at once ordered out. We moved out beyond the 
village and laid on our arms all night without further molestation. 

Returning to camp on the 4th, three days of rest were vouchsafed us. 

With all the inspirithig confidence of success, the victorious 
enemy now pushed on for further advantag-e. McClellan had, 
imniediately upon his arrival from the peninsula, been placed in 
command of the defences of Washington ; while his foixes were 
grouped in front and moved to our assistance. Our retreat from 
the disastrous field of Bull Run threw the entire army again upon 
Washington, and within his line of defence. Confidence in Pope as 
a commander, seemed to have deserted not only the entire army, 
but even the heads of the government, and Washington quaked to 
its shaken center, as the tidings of reverse and disaster swept down 
upon its streets with the first wave of our retreating force. One 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 277 

only alternative seemed to remain. The man who possessed alone 
the almost entire confidence of the army, a confidence strong if not 
deserved, stood ready to resume the post from which he had been 
taken — at its head. No one who saw it can forget the revival of life 
and hope that stirred our broken ranks, when the fact of his 
re-instatement was announced. Even in the hospital, men who were 
fresh from the appalling scenes of those last days of confusion, 
seemed to take heart anew, and, as they listened day after day to 
the tidings that followed the news-boy through the wards, gathered 
fortitude and hope, as they mentally traced the steps of their 
victorious comrades. 

On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 2d, McClellan crossed 
the Potomac and rode to the front. Ascertaining the direction in 
which the various corps were returning, he immediately arran^qed 
the troops, and designated the positions they were to occupy. The 
next morning saw everything in place, the issue of necessary 
supplies attended to, and every preparation made to repulse the 
expected attack. On the same day the enemy disappeared from 
our front, and it became evident that he intended to cross the Upper 
Potomac into Maryland. This, says McClellan, " materially changed 
the aspect of affairs, and enlarged the sphere of operations ; for, in 
case of crossing in force, an active campaign would be necessary, to 
cover Baltimore, prevent the invasion of Pennsylvania, and clear 
Maryland." 

The 2d and 12th corps, under Generals Sumner and Williams, 
were immediately ordered to Tenallytown, about twelve miles above 
Washington, on the Maryland side of the river, and the 9th corps, 
Reno's, to a point on the Seventh street road, near the Capitol. 
All the available cavalry were sent to watch and impede the enemy 
in any attempt to cross at the fords near Poolsville. 

On September 5th, the 2d and 12th corps were moved to 
Rockville, and Couch's division (the only one of the 4th corps that 
had been brought from the peninsula) to Offut's Cross Roads. 

McDowell had been superseded by General Hooker, in the 
command of the ist corps. This corps, in which we still belonged, 
was, on the 6th, ordered with that of General Reno, to march on 
Leesburg; the 6th corps, Franklin's, and Sykes' division of the 5th, 
also moving on Tenallytown, relieving the 2d and 12th. General 
Banks having received his instructions from McClellan, was left in 
command at Washington. 

It was, therefore, on the evening of September 6th, tliat our 



278 CHRONICLES OF THE 

regiment left its temporary resting place and resumed the march, 
which I will leave Colonel Rogers to describe. 

On the evening of Saturday, September 6th, we received orders to move, and 
■started at midnight, towards Washington. The road was blocked with trains, 
making our march a very tedious and disagreeable one. Crossing the Aqueduct 
'bridge we marclied through Georgetown and Washington about daylight on Sunday 
morning, and turning into Seventh street, took the road to Leesboro, Maryland, which 
place we reached the following day. This Sunday march was one of the mo>t 
fatiguing and harrassing of the campaign. 

Continuing our march from day to day we reached the bank of the Monocacy 
on .Saturday evening, September 13th. 

There was a marked contrast in this march through Maryland, with those of the 
campaign in Virginia. Everywhere we were greeted with cheers and words of 
welcome. The inhabitants of the village and the roadside had pails and tubs of fresh 
water in front of their dwellings, which the girls and boys dealt out to the thisty 
troops as they passed. 

" It is a little thing to give a cup of water," but many a poor soldier was 
refreshed and invigorated as he quaffed the draught, and straightening himself up 
moved forward with quickened pace to take his place in the ranks. God \>\ess the 
loyal women of Maryland 

At daylight on Sunday, September 14th, we crossed the stone bridge on the 
National road over the Monocacy river, and at an early hour marched through the 
city of Frederick, Maryland. How different from our march through Fredericksburg, 
Virginia. The stars and stripes were hung out from almost every house, and the 
joyful countenances of the citizens gave unmistakable evideftce that they looked upon 
and welcomed us as deliverers. 

On we marched, through the city, up the broad National road, until we reached 
the summit of the Blue Ridge. A halt for a short time enabled us to enjoy tlie 
grandeur of the scenery, spread out before us like a panorama. The evidences of 
conflict, too, presented themselves. A pool of blood on the middle of the road 
showed where a rebel battery had been planted to check our advancing column, but 
a well directed shell from one of our guns killed three horses and disabled a number 
of their gunners, which forced them to retire. Looking back towards the city, the 
long columns of infantry were seen winding up the road, their arms glistening in the 
bright morning sun. The sound of the " church going bell " came faintly up from 
the beautiful valley, and thoughts of home and the sanctuary brought the tears 
unbidden to the eye. 

Resting a few minutes the column moved on, descending the mountain road. 
Before us lay the valley between the Blue Ridge and South Mountain — a picture that 
seemed to be even more beautiful than the one on the other side. It was a bright, 
beautiful day, God's blessed day of rest, to all but the soldier. The head of the 
column was approaching the foot of South Mountain, on which the eneray had taken 
his stand, with the determination of disputing our passage. On reaching the valley, 
the division turned off from the road into the field for rest and refreshments. 
Meanwhile an artillery skirmish had taken place on the mountain. It was evident 
that a battle must be fought — that while our wives and children were listening to the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 279 

words once uttered by the Prince of Peace, their husbands and fathers were to be 
engaged in deadly conflict. 

From the letters of Colonel Rogers, and the various published 
reports, chiefly those of Major General McClellan, and Brigadier 
General Doubleday, commanding the division, and from the 
previously quoted work of Captain George F. Noyes, who earned 
honorable mention in this action, I compile the following history 
of the part taken by the Twenty- First in the battle of South 
Mountain, September 14th, 1862 : 

Our division left the Monocacy, as previously stated, at six in 
the morning of that day, arriving about noon at Catoctin Creek, 
near the foot of the mountain. Here the column halted until about 
half- past two, when Brigadier General Hatch assumed command, in 
place of General King, who was assigned to other duty. 

The enemy's position was on the summit of South Mountain. 
To avoid the fire of his batteries, which had already opened upon 
our advance, from the heights, and to which our own were 
responding from the left, the division was diverged from the main 
road, and struck off in a by-road to the right, which gradually 
approached the base of the mountain, and led to a stone church at 
its foot. Here we found General Hooker and his staff. The 
division at this time consisted of Doubleday's, Patrick's and Phelps' 
(late Hatch's) brigades, General Gibbon having been detached with 
his brigade on special service. 

To General Hooker had been assigned the storming of the hill 
on the right of the pass. The general order of battle was for two 
regirnents of Partick's brigade to precede the main body, deployed 
as skirmishers, and supported by his two remaining regiments. 

The Twenty-First was now ordered forward and took the right 
of the advance. Knapsacks were unslung, and three companies 
from each flank thrown forward and deployed, followed by the 
remaining four as a reserve and support. On our left was the line 
of the 35th New York, under Colonel Lord, and away to our right 
stretched that of the Pennsylvania Reserves. The 23d New Yoi k, 
under Colonel Hoffman, supported the 35th, and the line of the 
Twenty-First was supported by that of the 20th New York, under 
Colonel Gates. Phelps' brigade followed in column of division at 
half distance, preserving the intervals of deployment ; and next came 
that of General Doubleday, in the same order. 

And now commences the ascent of the mountain. With almost 
breathless anxiety the progress of our long line of skirmishers is 



28o CHRONICLES OF THE 

watched by thousands of eager and anxious men, as slowly, slowly, 
now halting as if to listen, now crouching a while on the ground, 
with muskets ever ready for instant service, they push up toward 
the woods, every tree in which may conceal a rebel sharpshooter. 
A few hundred feet in their rear moves the long dark line of the 
reserve, upon whom the skirmishers will rally when they have 
unmasked the enemy.* 

On reaching a road part way up the mountain, parallel to its 
summit, and just at the edge of the woods, the 20th moved up, by 
order of General Patrick, and forms upon our left. And now the 
warning rattle of musktry among the trees in front and a rush 
of bullets betoken our approach to the disputed ground. Steadily 
and cautiously our skirmishers advance, gradually gaining ground. 
The wounded begin to drop to the rear, and steadily and rapidly 
the firing increases. So steep is the ascent that it is with the 
utmost difficulty that our eager men are kept in line. So speedily 
have they advanced that the supporting forces are left far behind, 
so the line is halted and caused to lie down quietly behind a fence, 
until the other brigades arrive in supporting distance. 

It is now near sunset ; " the air is bland and delicious, and 
while the men rest we turn and look back at the valley through 
which we have been marching to-day. Frederick City is not visible, 
as a turn in the valley interposes a hilly elbSw ; but Middletown 
lies below us, while stretching off toward the North and East is a 
lovely swell, buttressed by hilly ranges, smiling with orchards, fields 
of ripening grain, and cheerful farm houses — truly a valley ot 
content and beauty. There is little of the sublime about this view, 
but it is very soothing, and offers so strong a contrast to our present 
fearful business as to daguerreotype itself upon my imagination 
forever. Oh ! how the thought of the Sunday evening calm now 
brooded over certain familiar streets and home circles, adds one 
feature more to this impressive contrast. 

Upon the left, beyond the gorge, and upon the farther spur 
of the mountain, the other wing of our little army under the gallant 
Reno, whose valuable life is, alas, to be the crowning sacrifice of 



* Colonel Rogers relates the following incident : While our skirmishers were moving up the 
mountain, they were met by an old lady who had been frightened from her home by the threatening 
appearance of things. In a state of great mental excitement she inquired where they were going. 
An officer replied that they were "only going up the hill. " Don't j'ou go there," she e.^claimed, 
waving them back with her hands. " There are hundreds of 'em up there. Don't you go. Some 
of you will get hurt .'" This little scene amused the boys very much, and " Some of you will get 
hurt," became a standing jest. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 281 

this day, is pressing back the enemy with vigor, and the noise 
of conflict tells us how surely they are doing their work. 

Upon our right is a deep gorge extending far into the woods. 
Through this we see advancing the deployed lines of the 
Pennsylvania Reserves ; under Brigadier General Seymour. A 
rebel battery opens upon them from across an open field in front. 
Our skirmishers leap to their feet and open upon the gunners with 
a vigor and precision that makes their work extremely difficult. 
Several times the guns are drawn back into the wood, loaded, and 
then again pushed forward and fired. But our rapid and well 
directed volleys soon induced them to withdraw entirely. And now 
the Reserves reach a ledge just within the edge of the wood and lie 
down quietly behind it. Soon a regiment in gray are seen 
advancing across a field toward them. Up to the very edge, and 
we stand in momentary expectation of seeing them stagger back as 
that ledge breaks into a sheet of flame, but still all is silent. They 
push on into the wood ; they have almost reached the spot where 
our men are lying, when with a yell that makes the mountain side 
ring again our boys are up and at them ; there is a wild mixing 
of swarming figures among the trees, a few demoralized rebels 
emerge and break in panic stricken speed for the rear, and again 
all is quiet.* 

One of G^neraT Patrick's aids now appeared with the welcome 
news that our supports were approaching, and orders for the 
skirmishers to advance and unmask the enemy's position. We 
cross the fence and advance, slow and steadily, up the mountain 
side, which becomes so broken and rocky that a halt becomes 
necessary every fifteen or twenty paces, to close up and dress the 
line. Arriving some thirty paces from the crest of the mountain, 
our Colonel pushes forward to reconnoitre the ground. 

At the edge of the woods is a fence, and, beyond, a corn field 
on the left and a large open field on the right. The skirmishers 
of the enemy hold the cornfield and the fences which run at right 
angles from the wood, and across the open field a large force is 
rapidly approaching the fence in our front, an important position 
which we are just in time to secure. 

Our skirmishers are already up to the fence, and our little 
reserve is also hurried up by the Colonel, and all lie down behind 

*This was, at that time,, as Colonel Rogers aptly names it, " one of the most brilliant little 
achievements of the war." General Seymour had allowed the enemy to approach within a few 
paces, and then ordering a charge he took three hundred prisoners without firing a gun. 



282 CHRONICLES OF THE 

it. Hatch's brigade, on the left, reaches it at about the same time, 
and in another moment a fierce volley welcomes our friends in gray, 
and they are driven back with terrible loss to the fence on the other 
side, where they rally and return the fire. Rapid and continuous 
is the fusilade that follows ; the mountain top reeks with a 
sulphurous veil, out of which rises a horrid turmqil, and the echoes 
fly to hide in every nook and valley, so peacefully slumbering an 
hour ago, while beneath its deadly shadow a mortal struggle piles 
the earth with victims. Our insufficient force is hotly pressed, but 
the brave boys know what depends upon the position they are so 
fiercely maintaining, until the supporting brigades, already near, 
can come to their assistance. / 

Captain Noyes, who is with one of these brigades moving up 
to the rear of Hatch, thus describes what followed : 

" As we pressed on, our brigade line wavers a little, the flanks 
pressing ahead of the centre, or one flank out-marching the other, 
yet preserving, on the whole, a good, strong, steady line of attack. 
The air is now full of shrieking lead, and we hear just ahead of us 
the cheers and yells of the opposing troops, the never ceasing rattle 
of musketry, and all the awful din of battle. Out of this carnival 
of noise and fire rushes the Adjutant of the first brigade, a noble 
specimen of American chivalry, exclaiming, ' Our brigade can not 
sustain itself much longer, as we are nearly out oTampiunition. hor 
God's sake, to the front ! ' At the word the brigade is moved up 
even more rapidly, restrained, however, by the field and staff" 
officers, still riding in front. ' Steady, boys, steady ! ' is the word 
all along the line. Another minute, and the edge of the woods is 
gained, and there at the fence which skirts it at Hatch's brigade, 
standing, falling, desperately fighting at this bloodily contested 
boundary. Cheer upon cheer from our men goes up to Heaven, 
and now, in admirable order, they rush into their places. Hatch's 
brigade falling back to rest a while after their fierce encounter. 

" Beyond this fence is an open space of about a hundred feet in 
depth between the fence and a corn field, and in this space a strong 
force of the enemy, partially protected by rocky ledges and 
inequalities of surface, forming natural rifle-pits, is pressing heavily 
upon our position, charging gallantly two or three times, to be as 
gallantly repulsed before they reach the fence, and sweeping it 
meanwhile with sheets of fire. Conscious of the weakness of our 
own line, with no reserves near us, unable to form any idea of the 
force opposed to us, the only thing to be done is to hold this fence 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 283 

at all hazards lest the enemy, breaking through at this point, shall 
flank and put to rout the troops on both sides of us. It remains for 
the staff to watch closely the line, cheer and encourage the men, 
look out for a moment of panic, and so keep all to their duty. 

"And hold it they do, inflexibly. For half an hour against 
this barrier of Northern patriotism dashes wave after wave of 
Southern treason, to be again and again, hurled back, broken and 
discomfited. Individual instances of valor are , not wanting ; the 
color bearer of the 76th New York rashly leaps out to the front, 
waves his flag, exclaiming, ' There, boys, come up to that ! ' and 
falls on the instant, shot through the head. But why attempt to 
designate, where all did so well ? At intervals a lull, a mere 
pattering of musketry, and then the rebel storm bursts forth afresh, 
and before it some of our men go down, or slowly fall back, wounded 
and bleeding, to the rear. The twilight gloom is descending, 
throwing the rebel den into shadow ; the darkness adds new horror 
to the scene ; and suddenly a portion of one of our regiments begins 
to crowd up together, the men pressing against each other, and 
firing into the air in a sort of frenzy. Terribly contagious is a panic 
like this. Unless it be instantly quelled, the men will be shooting 
each other, or rushing to the rear in sudden and disastrous rout. 
Somehow and swiftly, military authority must assert itself. The 
first thing to do is to order them to cease firing. To shout forth 
such an order at such a time would be like attempting to drown the 
thunder of Niargara. It must be driven in, as it were, individually, 
mouth and ear, and almost with the point of the sword. Somehow 
the effort succeeds ; discipline asserts itself, the rank is re-formed, 
our brave boys are themselves again. 

" Before the fight is half over an aid gallops up with the news 
that the gallant General Hatch, the division commander, is severely 
wounded, and our General is thus in command of the division. Our 
only Colonel has already been crippled by a wound, a Lieutenant- 
Colonel takes command of our brigade, while a Captain finds 
himself at the head of a regiment. Our first brigade is in the rear, 
having exhausted its ammunition; our third brigade holds the line 
on our right ; our fourth is on duty perhaps a mile away on our 
left. Our General, therefore, remains with his own brigade as the 
most central position. 

" And now there are intervals of comparative calm, and we 
begin to congratulate ourselves that the baflled enemy has departed. 
But the contest is not yet over ; for suddenly out of the darkness in 



284 CHRONICLES OF THE 

front of us leaps another volley, wounding hardly a man, but so 
near as to seem in our very faces. Along- the files of perhaps a 
single company, gradually growing louded and louder, rises a low 
murmur, not an exultant cheer, but rather a cry, excited and panic 
stricken, and suddenly half a dozen or more start off for the rear. 
One minute more, and probably the whole regiment will be on the 
wing. To meet them on the instant with the threat to run the first 
man through who moves a foot farther to the rear seems the best 
thing to do, and it proves entirely successful. A staff ofticer 
exclaims, ' Why, boys, what are you running for ? we've beaten the 
enemy. Three cheers for victory.' A wild, irregular cheer bursts 
forth upon the evening air, and e\'ery man of them once more takes 
his position at the fence. 

" It is indeed true that we have beaten the enemy ; these 
impetuous attacks are only his last flurries; he is, though we do 
not know it, and cannot discover it in the darkness, at his last gasp. 
It is now so dark that our men can only aim at the flashing of the 
rebel muskets, and these rebel muskets have ceased firing. The 
General now orders our brigade also to cease firing ; an andvance 
into the unknown locality in front would be sheer madness, and so 
our men stand silently and grimly at the fence, while for several 
minutes as it seemed, hardly a single report breaks the stillness 
of the night. Just as we are saying to each other with thankful 
hearts, ' This fight is over,' the enemy, thinking, perhaps, that we 
may have fallen back, or are unprepared for him, charges 
desperately up towards the fence, delivers a volley, too high, as 
usual, which shrieks through the air, followed by a continuous fire 
for a minute, or two minutes perhaps, though it seemed very much 
more. It is no use; they hurl themselves against this living barrier 
in vain, and are soon compelled to fall back before the terrific volleys 
of our men. To me this is the most impressive incident in the 
fight; the utter stillness of the night, broken in upon by the cheers 
and yells of the opposing troops ; the rattle of musketry discharged, 
and the wailing of the bullets, followed by a stillness deep and 
intense, as if each party held its breath to listen for the next move 
of its enemy. 

"The contest is nearly over; only a few scattering volleys 
after this, except on the left of our brigade, where a desperate effort 
is made to turn our left flank, to meet which the 7th Indiana and 
76th New York swing a little to the left, and so repulse the attack 
successfully. Our division is now relieved by the division of 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 285 

General Ricketts, which moves up and takes post at the fence, the 
officers dressing the ranks as if preparing for a review ; it is evident 
that the position is in safe hands ; but our General orders our 
brigade to lie down on their arms a hundred feet from the fence, as 
we have still some ammunition left, and a night attack seems 
probable. A few more scattering volleys, and at this particular 
point all is still. 

"General Patrick's brigade* having done its work nobly, is 
now resting on our right, while on our left, but near the turnpike, 
the brigade of Gibbon is still fighting very desperately. Our own 
contest appears to be over for the present, but we listen to the 
unceasing rattle of the musketry on our left with great anxiety. At 
one moment it seems as if our troops must be falling back, at 
another the firing sounds farther off, as if they were gradually 
driving the enemy from the hill. The excitement of our own fight 
is over; the woods are now so dark that objects ten feet distant are 
undistinguishable, and the thought of a night attack upon our 
exhausted troops fills me with dread. A prisoner just brought in 
informs us that the troops in front are chiefly Virginians, under 
command of General Pickett, and that General Longstreet himself 
had been here, striving in every way to encourage the men, calling 
them his pets, and coaxing and imploring them to their work. 
Already we had some idea of the success of his efforts, but we were 
to see it more fearfully evidenced when daylight disclosed the battle 
field on the morrow." 



* Extract from Report of Brigadier General Doubleday. — While the main attack was 
going on at the fence referred to, Colonel Rogers, with his own and Lieutenant Colonel Gates' 
regiments — the Twentieth and Twenty-First New York Volunteers, of Patrick's brigade — rendered 
most essential service by advancing his right, and holding a fence bounding the Northeast side of the 
same corn field, anticipating the enemy, who made a furious rush to seize this fence, but were driven 
back. Colonel Rogers was then enabled to take the enemy in flank, and aiso pick off their 
cannoniers, and silence a battery which was on their right and behind their main battery. * * 

I desire to mention, in terms of just commendation. General Patrick, whose long experience 
and cool bravery were never better attested ; Colonel Phelps, commanding Hatch's brigade, and 
Colonel Wainwright and Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman, commanding in turn my own brigade. Their 
gallantry and good conduct did much toward winning the victory. 

I desire to mention, also, Captain E. P. Halsted, A. A. G., and Lieutenant B. F. Martin, A. 
D. C, who carried my orders faithfully into the thickest of the fight, and who each spent several 
hours in the night in the difficult and dangerous task of verifying the enemy's position : also. Captain 
George F. Noyes, C. S., who stood upon the fence during the hottest of the fire cheering on the 
men, and otherwise rendering me valuable assistance. * * * ■'■ * * * * 

I am, Major, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

A. DOUBLEDAY, 
Brigadier General Volunteers, Commanding Division. 

M.\jOR J.isEPH Dickinson, A. A. G. 



286 CHRONICLES OF THE 

" All night," says Colonel Rogers, " we lay by the side of the 
fence, ready to renew the conflict should any demonstrations be 
made on our front. When morning broke it was discovered that 
the rebels had retreated during the night, and the army was put in 
motion to follow them up." 

Our loss in this stubborn contest for the possession of Turner's 
Gap, was three hundred and twenty-eight killed, and one thousand 
four hundred and sixty-three wounded ; a large proportion, 
considering the number of men engaged and strength of our 
opponents, yet small when we remember the severity of the assailing 
fire, and the storm of bullets that swept our line. Our own 
regiment had but a small number wounded, one mortally. This is 
accounted for in the fact that we stood mainly upon the defensive, 
with the advantage of a sheltered position. 






TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 287 



CHAPTER XVI 



After the Battle. — the Corn Field. — On the move agani. — The Battle of Antietani. — Our killed and 
wounded. — Burying the Dead. — Captain Noyes' description of the Field. 



THE great battle of Antietani, fought near Sharpsburg, Md., 
September i6th and 17th, 1862, has been so often and ably- 
described that I must content myself with giving but the general 
outline of a battle which involved so momentous a result to the 
country, so interesting in its every detail, and which, if time and 
space permitted, would so richly repay the labor of collecting all 
attainable details, in order to give the fullest possible record of the 
part taken by our own regiment in that day's trials and triumphs. 
To do this, it is necessary to resume the process of gleaning from 
sources named in the preceding chapter. 

Captain Noyes, whose presence upon the same part of the field, 
identifies his admirably written story with our own, describes the 
scenes of the following morning in a manner that must bring them 
vividly to the minds of all who were so fortunate as to see them. 
After a description of the manner in which himself and stafif 
companions had passed the night, how they were up in the first 
gray of the morning, to find our line still lying at the fence, no sign 
ofthefoe, and the little interval before the corn field untenanted 
save where the morning mists dimly shrouded the prostrate forms 
of the rebel dead, he thus proceeds: 

" A soldier or two now ventured out over these rockly ledges. 
Suddenly, from behind a stump, a long, lank stripling of, perhaps, 
seventeen years, without weapon, and dressed in the usual gray 
uniform, leaped eagerly forward, exclaiming, ' Don't shoot! I'm 
your prisoner ! ' When brought before the General, he described, 
with a childlike simplicity very amusing, his late experience and 
sensations. The boy had evidently never before broken loose from 
the maternal apron string, and told us, with fearfuly emphasis, how 
he had been conscripted, drilled, and finally brought up this 
mountain to be shot at, winding up somewhat as follows : ' I told 



258 CHRONICLES OF THE 

'em I was a coward, and couldn't fight, but they drove me up here, 
where I came near being killed ; so I dropped, and crawled behind 
a stump, and waited there all night.' But he didn't know whether 
the enemy was still in the corn field or not, so we learned little of 
any value, though his quaint remarks upon his own cowardice 
afforded some merriment. 

" No one had yet explored the corn field, and a large body of 
men might easily be concealed there ; but half a dozen of our men 
were now moving among the rebel dead, and I was convinced that 
it was safe enough to go out also, being thereunto moved by a 
desire to see some of our late antagonists. So closely had their 
desperate charges brought them to our line, that only ten paces 
distant from the fence lay some of the poor fellows — one resting 
with head on arm, as if asleep, others lying across each other, but 
most of them looking with calmly staring eyes up towards heaven. 
Among them, as also among our own dead, I was surprised to notice 
that the features bore usually a placid expression, with little trace 
of battle excitement or death agony. 

" Among the foremost lay an officer, afterward identified as 
Colonel Strange, of Virginia, evidently killed just at the mortient 
when, every nerve at its highest tension, every courageous impulse 
at fever heat, he was leading his men in a most desperate charge. 
Upon his stern determined face still lingers that look of battle, his 
right hand still grasping his sword. This man's death was evidently 
a great loss to the enemy. 

" A few feet to his left I noticed another young officer, and still 
farther on a young lieutenant, whose very handsome face and placid 
expression greatly attracted me. As I stood and looked down 
earnestly, as if, perhaps, I might read in that countenance some 
fragments of his history, I felt that this was a man who probably 
illustrated some of the best features of the Southern character — a 
warm hearted, generous l^llow, whom, while living, I could have 
loved. There is a sad gap somewhere caused by his death ; 
perhaps, the plain gold ring on his finger might give us the key to 
his whole life story. How all feeling of enmity disappears in 
presence of these white faces, these eyes gazing upward so fixedly 
in the gray of the morning hour ! 

" More than thirty of the rebel dead were lying within fifty feet 
of the fence ; I did not visit the corn field, but learned that here also 
the dead were very numerous. On our side the loss was much less ; 
but here, also, the men were busily engaged in collecting the fallen, 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 289 

and ranging them side by side, each regiment or brigade by itself 
that their own immediate comrades might lay them to rest with the 
scant ceremonial of a soldier's burial on the battle field. No little 
firing squad poured forth a farewell volley ; no minister read over 
their graves the beautiful burial service ; no coffin encased their 
limbs ; just as they were, in their uniforms, crimsoned with patriotic 
blood, they were taken closely to the bosom of Earth the mother, 
and on the very summit of the mountain, in a spot consecrated by 
their heroic sacrifice, and glorious as the classic ground of victory, 
they slept well. 

"It was now fairly sunrise, and it was made known that the 
enemy had retreated, and that we could claim an unmistakable 
victory. We were yet to learn how the rebel rout, flinging away 
their guns, had fled headlong down the mountain, or dispersed 
through its forests to give themselves up in scores as prisoners 
of war." 

Orders now arrived for the division to move on across the 
mountain toward Boonsborough ; infantry and artillery, and the 
parked wagon trains in the rear, were prepared for the march, the 
temporary field hospitals were abandoned, and our wounded were 
sent back to Frederick in the ambulances. The men took up the 
march in excellent spirits ; the joy and satisfaction everywhere 
evident, the jokes at tlie expense of the enemy flung from file to file, 
the very marching of the men, indicated that this was not a retreat, 
but an actual pursuit of a flying enemy. Volunteer bayonets not only 
think, but they talk a good deal also, and this morning they were 
enjoying full license in this direction. * * * ' My 

Maryland ' was now sung by our men, with an alteration of the 
words to suit each singer. The new regiments were especially 
enthusiastic, and I had not ridden long near the column before I 
found my own spirits rising into something like the old enthusiasm. 
There is no army ration, after all, so good for troops as an 
occasional touch of victory. 

Our column reached Boonsborough some time during the 
forenoon, passing on to the neighborhood of Keadysville, some six 
miles beyond, where it bivouacked for the night. I leave Colonel 
Rogers to describe our part in the ensuing action, interpolating 
whatever else I can collect that may serve to complete and explain 
the description : 

" On the morning of the i6th, the march was resumed, and in a 
few hours we reached the banks of the Antietam. The enemy were 



290 CHRONICLES OF THE 

posted on the other side and made a stand, and a battle seemed 
imminent. Our batteries were planted and troops placed in 
position. There was some firing during the day, the shells of 
the enemy fi-equently coming in uncomfortable proximity. 

" During the day the enemy seemed to have changed its 
position. In the afternoon the whole army was put in motion, 
advancing in three columns. Our regiment was at the head of the 
second column, the heads marching in parallel lines. The battle 
was opened by the artillery about an hour before dark. Several of 
the shells passed directly over our regiment and injured soldiers 
immediately in our rear. But we had become accustomed to their 
music and they did not disturb us much. 

" Night coming on we filed into the woods and lay upon our 
arms. There was frequent firing between the pickets during night, 
and before daybreak in the morning. 

THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

" We were up with the dawn, and work commenced soon after. 
Orders were received for us to move forward and sustain Gibbon's 
brigade, which was already engaged. Marching through orchards 
and over fences, we reached a point in the woods through which 
we were to advance. We passed General Hooker, who was here 
directing the movements of the troops. He sent one of his aids to 
point out the position for us to occupy. The battle had fairly 
opened. The artillery and musketry fire was rapid and continuous. 
Forward we went through the woods, out into the open field, and 
we were face to face with the enemy on a fair field. With bayonets 
fixed, rapidly we charged forward. Two fences lined the turnpike 
road in our front, on the other side of which the enemy was posted. 
We reached the first fence, forced them back, and scaling that and 
the one on the other side, continued to pour deadly fire into their 
ranks. General Patrick "at this time rode up and ordered us to fall 
back to the road, as our line was in advance of that on our left, and 
we were running into the line of fire of our own artillery. This was 
done in good order, and the men continued to load and fire with a 
coolness that was admirable. 

" Here Captain Robert Gardner and Lieutenant Hickey were 
wounded, and many of the men were killed and wounded. All 
this time there was nothing in our rear to support us, while our 
right flank was entirely unprotected. Had the rebels known our 
weakness at this point, and pushed forward vigorously, they 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 29I 

could have pierced our lines and carried dismay into the whole 
army." 

Lieutenant Halsey thus describes some of the incidents of the 
battle, which occurred at about this time : 

" In leaping^ the fences all could not get over at once — some 
must be last — and in falling back a (ew, finding it difficult to get 
over in time to avoid the clutch of the enemy, quietly dropping 
to the ground among the dead and wounded, and remained 
motionless a la possum, until the enemy was again driven back, 
when they jumped to their feet and joined their comrades in the 
hot chase. 

" Lieutenant Hickey, prevented by a ball through the right 
arm from getting over the fence in time, dropped to the ground and 
was taken prisoner ; but the enemy had no time to attend to the 
particulars of a parole, for they were again driven back, and Hickey, 
liberated, made his way to the rear minus side arms, which a rebel 
officer had taken a fancy to and appropriated to his own use. This 
trick was also performed by some of the enemy, but, after the second 
charge, it being suspected, they were trotted out for examination 
and marched to the rear — some being suddenly accommodating 
even offered to carry the guns of the men who captured them, but 
they wei-e only allowed to carry the knapsacks, which they appeared 
to do willingly. 

" During one of these charges, or just after we had fallen back, 
a stray shot struck a large fat pig which had been grunting about 
in rear of our line, apparently indifferent as to the result of the fight. 
One of our boys taking in the situation at a glance, having, in all 
this excitement, presence of mind sufficient to feel the presence of 
an appetite, resolved that ' his porkship ' should die a natural 
death ; dropping his musket he rushes to the spot with drawn 
sheath knife and with the practical hand of a professional butcher 
brings the lingering sickness of Mr. Pig to an abrupt termination. 
Rolling him into a ditch * to await further developments,' he runs 
back and resumes his place in line." 

A volume of such incidents might be collected, and would 
prove by no means the least interesting of our war record. But to 
proceed with Colonel Rogers' description : 

" While the regiment was thus gallantly maintaining its position 
in the road, a rebel regiment was observed coming from the woods 
on our right and rear, and in a line at right angles to that of the 
road. They had completely outflanked us. The Colonel imme- 



292 CHRONICLES OF THE 

diately gave the order to ' disperse,' and rally on the colors in the 
woods from which we advanced. The boys were not slow in obey- 
ing the order, and make excellent time in executing it. 

" Rallying in the woods we took position behind a fence facing 
the direction in which we expected the foe, but they did not 
advance. The musketry ceased, but the artillery fire continued as 
violent as ever. In our present position we were under the fire of 
both parties — their shells passing over our heads. Here, the boys 
taking advantage of the lull in the storm, built fires and made their 
coffee, having been thus far at work without breaking their fast. 

" An officer of a battery in our rear noticed the proceedings of 
the men under these circumstances, and remarked that it was about 
the coolest thing he had seen during the war. 

" In a short time the reserves began to arrive and file past us 
into the woods. Some of them were new troops, and when they 
had taken their position, our brigade was ordered up to support 
them. We advanced again over a portion of the same ground over 
which we had previously marched. The troops on our right 
became actively engaged, but in a short time were forced back in 
utter confusion. We endeavored in vain to rally them, and they all 
tell back closely followed by the enemy, whom we saluted with a 
scattering fire. The General, finding that it would be impossible to 
maintain his position against the overwhelming force that was 
approaching, and our ammunition being exhausted, ordered us to 
retire, which was done in excellent order.* 

* At our request, Mrs. Colonel Rogers has kindly put into our hands a brief letter written by 
her husband on the battle field of Antietam. We make an extract. 

" We have had another severe, aye, terrible battle to-day — the third general engagement in 
which we have taken part. Our loss is severe again. The ground has been stubbornly contested, 
but from present appearances, I ihink we shall be victorious. It is now 3:20 P. M., and the battle 
has been raging furiously since daylight. As usual, we had to open it. We are now in the rear, 
resting and refreshing ourselves, as we tvent in before breakfast. 

* * * " Give thanks to God for my preservation, for it does indeed seem 
providential. It is probable we shall follow them up and have another battle, or series of battles, 
until we drive the rebels out of Maryland. 

" For a while matters looked very bad for us. Some of the new troops broke up badly and 
run from the field, and we were forced to retire until re-enforcements arrived and drove them back. 
We retired and advanced twice. The regiment behaved nobly, but our loss is severe." 

Jimmy, the Post Boy of the Regiment, also writes a few lines at the same time. He says : 
" General McClellan, with General Sumner and other officers, have just come through among 
the boys, who, on seeing him, rose up en masse and gave three rousing cheers for ' Little Mac' 
He, in return, took off his cap and waived it, bowing also to the boys. Our boys then waived a 
rebel flag which they captured from a Texas Regiment. Our division captured fifteen rebel colors. 
As soon as the rebel flag was raised, the boys gave three groans for it. No sooner had the groans 
been given than the rebels opened on us again with grape, shell and solid shot. Our brigade then 
rallied around the battery which they were supporting, and there they were when I left them to 
come to the Hospital. The Chaplain is here attending to the woiuided." — Buffalo Courier, Sept. 24. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 293 

" Smith's division afterwards came up, went in and covered the 
ground here lost. I learned that the 49th behaved gallantly under 
Lieut. Colonel Alberger, who, I regret to hear, was seriously 
wounded. 

" The battle closed by common consent, after night fairly set 
it. It was a hard fought and stubbornly contested field. The 
enemy retiring during the next day and night left us masters of the 
dark and bloody ground. This only gave us the victory, although I 
have no doubt their loss in killed was thrice that of ours. 

" On the march and on the battle field, the appearance of Gen. 
McClellan created the wildest enthusiasm among the troops. The 
more his defamers cry out against him, the more the troops respect 
and love him. They believe in him, and the simple fact that he is 
on the field during a battle is evidence that all is going on well. 

" Our lines rested undisturbed until Friday morning, when 
marching over the battle field we bivouacked in our present position. 
God grant that I never may be permitted to witness another such a 
scene. I dare not attempt a description, and the very remembrance 
of it makes me shudder. A man may go into battle and deal death 
and destruction around him with all the coolness imaginable, but 
the terrible after-scene cannot fail to make an impression that can 
never be effaced from his memory." 

The following list of the killed and wounded in the Battles of 
South Mountain and Antietam, is from a report made at that time 
by Adjutant C. W. Sternberg : 

Battle of South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862. 

Private Christian Ihda, Company "I," mortally wounded; Sergeant Alvin 
Boyd, Company "I," hip, severe; private Charles Carpenter, Company " H," right 
arm; Joseph Remick, Company " K," head, slight. 

Battle of Antietam, Sept. 77, 1862. 

Captain R. P. Gardner, left fore-arm, severe; Lieutenant Levi Vallier, head ; 
Lieutenant Patrick Hickey, right arm, severe. 

Company "A." — Corporal Simeon King, killed; private Charles E. Sprague, 
killed; private Henry Zink, killed; private Charles K. Burdick, killed; private 
Frank Schvveigle, severely wounded and missing, probably dead; Corporal James 
Crudden, right arm, afterward discharged ; private Peter Bieber, right arm, disabled 
and discharged; private James Brown, right leg; private Henry F. Dupont, right 
shoulder; private John Heyes, breast; private John Lawrence, left hand; private 
John Pax, right leg; private Joseph Simm, left leg; private John Schmidt, left arm; 
private James C' Ten Broeck, left breast, disabled and discharged. 

Company " B." — Private Charles E. Johnson, hip , mortal; Sergeant Joshua 



294 CHRONICLES OF THE 

G. Towne, leg, severe ; private Newman U. Goodrich, thigh ; private Benjamin J. 
Parker, head. 

Company " C." — ist Sergeant George T. Cook, side, severe; Corporal George 
M. Basseett, forehead ; private Francis A. Valentine, leg, severe ; private William 
H. Boorman, breast; private Charles Peterson, neck ; private Andrew Miller, right 
thigh ; private John Raleigh, instep. 

Company "D." — Private Michael J. Coan, killed; private William Shoop, 
abdomen, mortal ; private Henry C. Bronner, left knee, severe ; private Ira J. Sheldon, 
hand and abdomen, mortal; private Benjamin Hemstreet, left arm; private Frank 
H. Pierce, left shoulder and leg, severe; private Alfred Spencer, left arm; private 
Edward Vickery, left shoulder. — leaving but nine sound men in the company. 

Company " E." — Corporal George W. Proctor, side, mortal ; private Wilder 
Vantine, right side, mortal; private Charles Bertch, killed; private Edward Manning, 
right arm, amputated; private Charles F. Mercer, thigh ; private Henry Miller, thigh, 
disabled and discharged; private William Wisser, head, disabled and discharged; 
private James Millham, lost right hand, discharged ; private Christian Ziehm, body 
and leg, severe. 

Company " F." — Private John Wolk, killed; Sergeant William Rankin, right 
hand; private William H. Sprague, arm; private Horace Jones, leg ; private Franklin 
Averill, shoulder; private Charles Gross, missing. 

Company " G." — Corporal James H. Blake, killed; Corporal Thomas A. 
Curran, killed ; private Matthew Carson, killed ; private Elois Bader, wounded in leg; 
private Joseph Beckerich, leg; private Henry H. Kinsky, leg; private William Crapo, 
thigh; private Henry Fick, leg; Sergeant John Williamson, side, severe. 

Company " H." — Private Charles Morgan, side; mortal; Sergeant James 
Bailey, neck; private Balsor Snyder, left shoulder; private Frank Huber, face, severe; 
private John Keck, lost left arm, discharged. 

Company "I." — Corporal Justin Lasson, thigh ; private Charles Bohm, arm, 
disabled and discharged; private Charles Connolly, knee; private Jacob Junck, foot; 
private Frank Knopf, shoulder ; private John Jepson, unknown. 

Company " K." — Sergeant John C. Pratt, left leg, severe. 

Our regiment lay all night, drawn up with the brigade, behind 
a line of batteries, just in rear of the scene of our struggle. Small 
indeed, a mere handful of worn and bloody men, was the remnant 
of the once goodly line that now flanked the battle scarred flag. 
But one captain left, some of the companies under command of 
sergeants and corporals, well might they look forward anxiously to 
the expected renewal of conflict on the morrow, and fear annihilation 
for the remainder. Some of the companies were reduced to eight 
and ten men, and the average would not have exceeded twelve for 
duty. Back at bloody Bull Run, among the hospitals on both sides 
of the Potomac, upon the mountain top yonder, and lying in their 
yet warm blood upon this last field of sacrifice, we might look for 
them or for their graves. 

Anxiously, and bringing little rest, passed the night. I warrant 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 295 

me that many tears were shed in the solemn stillness of that night, 
for comrades who should march no more. Who could help feeling, 
even in sleep, the void left by the great gaps in our line, where once 
stood many a noble fellow, hardly known for one so dear until he 
dropped behind to his long rest. 

Long before the dawn all but the wounded were stirring ; each 
man made his coffee and prepared his simple morning meal, so that 
he might be ready for the expected call. The feeling seemed to 
possess every heart, that this day was to be crowned with victory ; 
the whole tone of conversation, as we drank our coffee on the grass, 
was hopeful, nay, almost exultant ; the hour for crushing the rebellion 
seemed to have struck ; the opportunity had come to drive the 
rebels into the Potomac, or capture their entire army. The natural 
dread of battle seemed to be lost in the hopeful feeling that the 
result of this day's dangers might be the ending of the war and our 
return to our homes and families. 

But those of us who indulged in such anticpations as these were 
doomed to disappointment. How near they might have approached 
realization, had all the good fortune our brave little army deserved 
fallen to its share, none can with certainty decide. There are many 
who could not and can not be made to see the possible limitation of 
circumstance and success, beyond the power of any man to foresee 
or overcome. At this distance of time the vague hopes of that 
period seem almost absurd, as fully if not so painfully so as those 
which agitated the people in those hopeful months preceding the 
first Battle of Bull Run, while they had not yet so much as an inkling 
of the magnitude of the undertaking upon which the loyal arm of 
the nation was rising. 

The sun rose, hour after hour passed by, and still to our 
expectant ears came no order to advance. No grumbling of distant 
cannon, no rattle of musketry in front, no sudden bugle call to stir 
the scene into one of hurrying life. Upon the field moved only the 
burying parties of our own and the rebel armies, and we learned 
that a flag of truce had sought for them the privilege of sharing 
this duty with us. Their army must be near ; why do we not move? 
Our own worn frames can give us answer, if the question relate only 
to our convenience ; but there must be a better, since hard exper- 
ience hath taught us that generals do not consult the comfort, and 
sometimes ignore even the necessities, of their men, when a great 
issue lies trembling in the balance. 

Thus the day passed. Its principal event to us was the arrival 



296 CHRONK^LES OF THE 

of some thousands of "Minute Men," and militia, from our sister 
State of Pennsylvania. Most of the burial parties were afterward 
detailed from these troops, and they must have seen enough of this 
most repulsive of the soldiers' duties, to sicken them of war forever. 

Next morning, September 19th, our boys were astir again long 
before sunrise, again prepared for battle, and again were disap- 
pointed. During the morning they learned that the rebel army had 
disappeared from our front, and re-crossed the Potomac. The 
river, lately in their rear, and forming one side of the angle into 
which we had driven them, was now their best defence against us. 
Still, let us not say that the battles of South Mountain and Antietam 
were robbed of any decisive significance. The invader had been 
turned back and his departure hurried with fearful blows. When 
it is asked why we did not annihilate him, it is necessary to ask in 
return, was it possible to do so ? Had we not bought with fearful 
cost the knowledge of these men's power and will to oppose us ? 
Let us not look merely upon that which might have resulted from 
their possible destruction, but consider what defeat would have 
been to us. 

Our division now moved forward about two miles across the 
field and encamped, our own chosen spot being a pleasant wood. 
The march across the field was through scenes that might have 
added a new horror to the inferno. Let Captain Noyes thus 
describe it : " Within a space of more than a mile square, this spot, 
once beautiful with handsome residences and well cultivated farms, 
isolated, hedged in with verdure, sacred to quiet, calm, content, the 
hottest fury of man's hottest wrath had expended itself, burning 
residences and well filled barns, plowing fields of ripened grain with 
artillery, scattering everywhere through corn field, wood and valley, 
the most awful illustrations of war. Not a building about us which 
was not deserted by its occupants, and rent and torn by shot and 
shell ; not a field which had not witnessed the fierce and bloody 
encounter of armed and desperate men. 

" Let us first turn oft^ to the left of the Hagerstown turnpike; 
but we must ride very slowly and carefully, for lying all through 
this corn field are the victims of the hardest contest of our division. 
Can it be that tliese are the bodies of our late antagonists ? Their 
faces are so absolutely black that I said to myself at first, this must 
have been a negro regiment. Their eyes are protruding from the 
sockets; their heads, hands, and limbs are swollen to twice their 
natural size. Ah ! there is little left to awaken our sympathy, for 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 297 

all those vestiges of our common humanity which touch the 
sympathetic chord are now quite blotted out. These defaced and 
broken caskets, emptied of all that made them manlike, human, are 
repulsive merely. Naught remains but to lay them away quietly, 
where what is now repulsive shall be resolved into its original 
elements, shall be for a time 

' Brother to the insensate clod, 
Which the rude swain turns with his share, 
And treads upon,' 

and shall appear in new forms of life hereafter. 

" Passing through this corn field, with the dead lying all 
through its aisles, out into an uncultivated field beyond, I saw 
bodies, attired mainly in rebel gray, lying in ranks so regular, that 
Death the Reaper must have mowed them down in swaths. Our 
burying parties were already busily engaged, and had put away 
to rest many of our own men ; still here as everywhere I saw them 
scattered over the fields. The ground was strewn with muskets, 
knapsacks, cartridge boxes, and articles of clothing, with the 
carcasses of horses, and with thousands of shot and shell. And so 
it was on the other side of the turnpike, nay, in the turnpike itself; 
ride where we may, through corn field, wood, or ravine, and our 
ride will be among the dead, until the heart grows sick and faint 
with horror. Here close to the road, were the hay stacks near 
which our general and staff paused for a while when the division 
was farthest advanced, and here, at the corner of the barn, lay one 
of our men, killed by a shell, which had well nigh proved fatal to 
them also. 

"Just in front of these hay stacks was the only pleasing picture 
on this battle field — a fine horse struck with death at the instant 
when, cut down by his wound he was attempting to rise from the 
ground. His head was half lifted, his neck proudly arched, every 
muscle seemed replete with animal life. The wound which kilted 
him was wholly concealed from view, so that I had to ride closely 
up before I could believe him dead. Hundreds of his kind lay 
upon the field, but all were repulsive save himself, and he was the 
admired of every passer by. Two weeks afterward I found myself 
stopping to gaze upon him, and always with the wish that some 
sculptor would immortalize in stone this magnificent animal in the 
exact pose of his death hour. One would like to see something 
from a battle field not wholly terrible. 



298 CHRONICLES OF THE 

" Over this grave yard of the unburied dead we reached a 
wood, every tree pierced with shot or cut witli bullets, and came 
to the litde brick church on the turnpike. This must have been a 
focal point in the battle, for a hundred round shot have pierced its 
walls, while bullets by thousands have scarred and battered it. A 
little crowd of soldiers were standing- about it, and within, a few 
severely wounded rebels were stretched on the benches, one of whom 
w^as raving in his agony. Surgical aid and proper attendance had 
already been furnished, and we did not join the throng of curious 
visitors within. Out in the grove behind the little church the dead 
had already been collected in groups ready for burial, some of them 
wearing our own uniform, but the large majority dressed in gray. 
No matter in which direction we turned, it was all the same shock- 
ing picture, awakening awe rather than pity, benumbing the senses 
rather than touching the heart, glazing the eye with horror, rather 
than filling it with tears. 

" I had, however, seen many a poor fellow during my ride, 
something in whose appearance or position had caused me to pause, 
and here lying side by side with three others, I saw a young rebel 
officer, his face less discolored than the rest, whose features and 
expression called forth my earnest sympathy, not so much for him 
as for those in his Southern home who shall see him no more 
forever. No one knew his name among the burying party, and 
before night he was laid in a trench with the rest, with no headstone 
to mark his resting place, one of the three thousand rebel dead who 
fill numberless graves upon the battle field. So ends the brief mad- 
ness which sent him hither to fight against a government he knew 
only by its blessings — against his Northern brothers, who never 
desired to encroach upon a single right or institution of his — ^who 
were willing that he should hug to his breast forever the Nessus 
shirt of slavery, asking only that he did not insist upon forcing its 
poison folds over their shoulders also. So disappears the beloved 
of some sad hearts, another victim of that implacable Nemesis who 
thus avenges upon the white man the wrongs of the black, and 
smiles with horrid satisfaction as this fearful game of war goes on. 

" Very slowly, as men move through the burial places of the 
dead, we rode through these woods back of the church, and reached 
the rocky citadel, behind which crouched the enemy to receive our 
charging battalions, sweeping their ranks with destruction, and 
compelling their retreat. I was astonished to see how cunningly 
nature had laid up this long series of ledges breast high for the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 299 

protection of the rebel lines. In front of this breast-work we found 
a majority of the cfead dressed in blue. At this point commenced 
also the long barricade of fence rails, piled so closely to protect the 
rebel lines, and stretching off toward the North. Here is one more 
evidence of the use to which the rebel generals put every spare 
moment of time, and of their admirable choice of "position. 

" One more scene in this battle picture must be seen, and with 
a visit to this our ride may end. It is a narrow country lane, 
hollowed out somewhat between the fields, partially shaded, and 
now literally crowded with rebel corpses. Here they stood in line 
of battle, and here, in the length of five hundred feet, I counted 
more than two hundred of their dead. In every attitude conceiv- 
able — some piled in groups of five or six ; some grasping their 
muskets as if in the act of discharging them ; some, evidently 
officers, killed while encouraging their men; some lying in the position 
of calm repose, all black and swollen, and ghastly with wounds, this 
battalion of dead filled the lane with horror. As we rode beside it 
— we could not ride in it — I saw the field all about me black with 
corpses, and they told me that the corn field beyond was equally 
crowded. It was a place to see once, to glance at, and then ride 
hurriedly away, for, strong-hearted as was my then mood, I had 
gazed upon as much horror as I was able to bear. 

" As we rode back, I noticed close by the lane several trenches 
already covered in, one with a strip of wood at its head marked 
with this inscription : ' Colonel Garland and eighty dead rebels.' 
Details of soldiers from the various regiments were collecting their 
comrades, bringing in the bodies on fence rails, identifying them, 
and laying each in his own separate grave, with a head piece 
inscribed with his name and regiment. Of course I cannot 
personally speak with positiveness as to the comparative numbers of 
the dead on each side, but from my own observation, and the 
opinion of old experienced officers, our late foes seemed to outnum- 
ber our own dead in the proportion of four to one. Two days of 
laborious sepulture will be necessary before they are hidden away 
in the bosom of our cherishing mother ; during two days more of 
sunlight and darkness, of hot noon-tide and chilly midnight, must 
some of these poor mangled forms lie here untouched, untended, to 
be hurried by stranger hands at last into a common and nameless 
grave. Thank God that to the former occupants of these defaced 
bodies, now dwellers in far other mansions, the fate of these their 
former habitations is no longer of interest. 



300 



CHRONICLES OF THE 



" Not for these poor shipwrecked forms, then, need we reserve 
our pity, but for the broken circles of which every man among these 
unburied thousands formed a part — for the homes through the 
South and the North made wretched this day with the first hints 
of their new sorrow — for the widow, the orphan, the lover! Oh 
war ! war ! war ! "' 




TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. -JOI 



CHAPTER XVII 



An interval of quiet.— Letter from Chaplain Robie. — Sabbath Services. — General Patrick — The 
Hospitals of the Potomac. — The Sanitary Commi.ssion. — More Letters. — General Patrick 
assigned for duty at Headquarters, and succeeded by General Paul. — Preparations to 
advance. 



THE regiment now passed a month in almost unbroken rest ; 
from the nineteenth day of September until the twentieth of 
October, moving camp but once during that time, and then only for 
a mile toward the Potomac. This interval was passed by our men 
in recovering the physical outlay of the severe campaign through 
which they had passed, and preparing for another. The losses and 
wear of clothing and equipments too had to be made good, many 
were in rags, and nearly barefooted, and the hurry and hardship of 
the past month had left little time to devote to that cleanliness 
necessary to co^ifort. Still there was plenty of time for this delay 
to grow irksome to many; the question was often asked, "why do 
we not advance," and that element of critical discussion fostered by 
our free institutions in the mass composing our strength, found 
plentiful exercise upon the facts, probabilities, and issues of the 
"situation," and the hour. All were convinced that there was a 
" hitch" somewhere, — to use the expressive soldier parlance of the 
times, — and opinions as to the responsibility to which it might be 
traced were diverse. 

The sifting and re-sifting of the events of that time have 
revealed enough to confirm the opinions of the people, however 
various, and I leave the question here, hoping that the lime will 
speedily come when the truth, the unmistakable truth may stand 
revealed ; and may Omnipotent vengeance fall speedily upon all or 
any who could trifle with lives that were God's, laid down for the 
good of man, and in His keeping now. 

The following is a letter written by Chaplain Robie to a friend 
in Buffalo, under date of Sunday, September 21st: 



302 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Dear O. — We still rest in quiet repose in a delightful wood which we entered 
two days since. You may be assured, too, that this meets with our perfect 
acquiescence to-day. The regiment needs the rest of weeks to recover its energies 
spent in the terrible conflicts through which it has passed. 

Our hour of Divine Service this morning was peculiarly impressive. The 
whole brigade met by order of our general, and all of the chaplains participated. 
General Patrick, as usual, was the star of the occasion. His remarks were pointed, 
exceedingly forceful, and never did soldiers listen with more attention. We 
appointed another service for this afternoon. 

Our regiment turned out en massee, and how impressive ! Nowhere near two 
hundred were in attendance. Where were our braves? Why this decimation of 
one of the finest regiments in the army ? Mind passes in rapid and mournful 
retrospection to the battle field ! Our wounded and dead are many. Some have 
passed from us never to be effective again, while others will only be awakened by 
the last trump. This is war, the great breaker of hearts, the great disrupter of 
affections. 

I have no particular news to communicate, only that wasted powers are return- 
ing, and the boys begin to feel ready for another fight. 

Tell the young ladies of the Central School that the old flag is tattered and 
torn, being pierced with nearly fifty shots. It is still, however, our reminder of the 
beauty and patriotism of the Institution. 

Lieutenant Beebee returned to us to-day, looking somewhat improved. Colonel 
Drew is expected to-morrow. 

The weather is changing. One of the best prayer meetings of my life was 
enjoyed this afternoon. Affectionately, R. 

The Sabbath services mentioned by the chaplain were indeed 
solemn, and left a lasting impression upon the minds of all who par- 
ticipated. Often have I heard the scene described by those who 
have returned, in recalling the experiences of those days, and even 
the most thoughtless and those least given to reflection upon such 
themes, those who seem to feel a sort of pride in their hardihood, 
recall and dwell with awe upon the solemnity of that hour. For 
the first time since that evening at Cafnp Rufus King, where our 
unbroken lines gathered at sunset around the oak to listen to the 
warning words of our good old general, his frosted head was again 
bare before them ; his eye filled and lip quivered as he looked 
round on the little group spared him of all those whom he so loved. 
" Where are your comrades ? " said he, and the tears trickled down 
his war-worn face. " Where are those who gathered with us at 
Camp Rufus King? What did I tell you then? How many of you 
deserve the mercy that has spared you to this day ? " and in the 
silence that followed how many wakened consciences quailed before 
the awful earnestness of his voice and manner. 

" I have seen your comrades go down in battle with curses on 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 303 

their lips. I heard one man say ' G — d d — n my soul,' and with 
these words he was struck with death. Can yon tell vie that God 
did 7iot damn that mans soul f And how many of you here can 
say that you have not deserved to die as he did? " 

Thus he begun, and then urged as he had often done before, 
the necessity of sure preparation for that end which any hour might 
bring to each of his hearers. He had awakened their slumbering 
fears, but he did not harrow them without mercy ; again he plead 
as only one whose heart bleeds for the lost, and for loved ones 
still in dread peril, could plead, and ere he ended few were the 
dry eyes, let us hope still fewer the untouched hearts among his 
hearers. 

The days following have left but small record, except in things 
of general interest. Crowds of citizens were daily arriving to seek 
in the hospitals or among the thousands of graves, their own loved 
ones, worn and desparing, heart sick, with failure, or hopeful and 
exulting at their success. It was touching, the joy even with which 
they discovered the resting places of those they mourned, or the 
hospital cot that bore some mangled, shattered burden dear to 
them, and which they so hopefully undertook to nurse back to 
health and strength sufficient for the homeward journey. " Hither 
came the father or the brother from New England searching for 
his dead ; here, also, the distracted wife sought out the grave of 
her devoted husband. The Hagerstown turnpike for weeks saw 
every afternoon almost one continuous funeral procession, bearing 
away to the North the bruised bodies of the North's bravest sons. 
More than a thousand, perhaps, were thus carried home to sleep 
among their kindred, to repose beneath commemorative stones, to 
which all of their name and family shall point hereafter with natural 
and patriotic pride. 

" At first it had seemed to me better to permit our brave boys 
to rest undisturbed under the bullet scarred trees, in the little glens, 
or out in the fields, where they died for the good cause, and where 
they had been laid to rest by their comrades ; but when I saw the 
gratification with which their graves were discovered by relatives 
who had come hundreds of miles to claim their own, and the 
affectionate tenderness, not unmixed with pride, with which they 
lifted the beloved forms, shrouded only in uniforms of blue, into their 
cofiins, and the evident relief with which they commenced their 
journey home, I had reason to change my mind." 

All the little towns were full of the wounded. Union soldiers 



304 CHRONICLES OF THE 

and rebels sharing alike the care of our surgeons and nurses, and 
the bountiful provision of necessaries and comforts made by our 
friends from the North. Dwellings, churches, barns and out houses 
were full of suffering men, and even the yards, gardens and fields 
were thickly strewn with the little groups of shelter tents where lay 
mingled the wounded braves of both armies. 

Says Captain Noyes, " It is probable that never, in the whole 
history of warfare, were the wounded in any battle so expeditiously 
and comfortably cared for. The surgical department of the army 
is, in general, admirably organized and conducted ; the Sanitary 
Commission greatly aided in the good work, while volunteer nurses 
and private donations lent valuable assistance. As speedily as they 
could bear transportation, our own wounded were carried to 
Frederick in ambulances, and so on to Washington or elsewhere, 
while the rebels were paroled and allowed to pass on their own 
way. Many of these came North, and were lost to the rebel cause 
forever. 

" I have referred to the Sanitary Commission, and no one could 
visit these hospitals without becoming a firm believer in the 
importance and value of this institution, as supplementary to the 
regular surgical department. Think for a moment of the terrible 
exigency of the occasion ! As the result of one day's fighting, more 
than ten thousand Union and rebel soldiers were thrown upon our 
hands at Antietam, needing beds instead of the blankets of their 
usual bivouac, food more delicate than the ordinary army ration, 
bed clothes and under clothes of every description, and the many 
other articles which a sick man requires. Take into consideration 
the deficiency of army transportation, except for the absolute 
necessaries of the battle field and the hospital, and the fact that for 
days after such a battle the surgical staff is busied incessantly in 
the primary operations and in the first dressing of wounds, and you 
will see how this commission, with its thorough organization, and 
lavish expenditure of its means for these extra supplies and their 
transportation, becomes to our poor wounded boys the source 
of incalculable comfort and solace. It follows hard upon the 
foot-steps of our advancing armies, so that within three days its forty 
agents had distributed food and clothing among eight thousand 
wounded men ; and during this battle month of September it 
divided more than $400,000 worth of supplies among the various 
Eastern and Western armies. I regret to add that some of our 
hospitals at Antietam were indebted to this Commission for their 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 305 

first supply of chloroform ; the surgeon found without it should 
have been instantly sent home in disgrace. 



" For one, I believe that this Commission is one of the first 
fruits of our most advanced Christian civilization, the first inroad 
into the domain of war of a practical Christianity which shall yet 
throttle and destroy this demon forever. When I seek to estimate 
its value and significance in its various supervisory, reformatory and 
scientific, as well as benevolent operations, to say nothing of those 
exceedingly valuable statistical collections which are to be the 
corner stones of future history, I confess that I know of no calculus 
by which correctly to compute them. Could the tens of thousands 
of blue uniformed sufferers it has relieved utter their testimony, we 
might reach some adequate expression. 

" As to the Western department, says General Rosecrans, 
February 2d, 1863: 'While the General commanding highly 
appreciates and does not underrate the charities which have been 
lavished on this army, experience has demonstrated the importance 
of system and impartiality, as well as judgment and economy, in 
the forwarding and distribution of these supplies. In all these 
respects the United States Sanitary Commission stands unrivalled. 
Its organization, experience, and large facilities for the work are 
such that the General does not hesitate to recommend, in the most 
urgent manner, all those who desire to send sanitary supplies, to 
confide them to the care of this Commission.' 

"As the result of the combined efforts of the surgical 
department and Sanitary Commission at Antietam, the men were 
soon made thoroughly comfortable, and the feeling was sown 
broadcast throughout the army that the soldier who perils his life 
in battle is sure of kind and humane treatment should he receive a 
wound. How much our foes appreciated this kindness was well 
illustrated by the remark of a rebel officer, who said to me, as he 
looked up laughingly from his bed on the floor of a barn, ' I declare 
I am almost sorry to quit ; I haven't been so comfortable since I 
entered the army.' " 

The following letters we clip from the Courier of October 7th : 

Bivouac near Sharpsburg, Md., 

September 28th, 1862. 

One year ago to-day we marched from Arlington Heights and stormed and 
captured Upton's Hill. The great Army of the Potomac "advanced" and secured 



306 CHRONICLES OF THE 

the ranges of hills in front of the fortifications which it was deemed important should 
be in our possession. I only mention this now, as the thought struck me as I dated 
this letter. 

We have been living quietly in our present bivouac since the second day after 
the battle of Antietam. It has been a season of rest for a tired and almost worn out 
army. Yet we have been held in readiness to move at a moment's notice, which has 
prevented us from making arrangements for a stay of a week or ten day.';, which 
would have added much to our comfort. 

A great change has come over this part of Maryland. A few weeks since it 
had a quiet, peaceful, frugal and industrious population. The tillers of the soil 
looked forward with hope to a bountiful harvest. The wheat was already gathered, 
and the ripening corn laughed on a thousand hills. All the fruits promised 
abundance. But the spoiler came, and now a barren waste presents itself as lar as 
the eye can reach. Houses, once the abode of peaceful and happy families, are now 
occupied by the sick and wounded veterans of war. The women, driven from their 
homes, have gathered together at the houses of distant neighbors, and, with a devotion 
which will redound to their overlasting honor, turned their attention to providing for 
the wants of those who were stricken down by the bullet. They did not sit down 
and weep over their misfortunes, and wring their hands in an agony of fear as the 
shrieking shells tore through the air, but, like ministering angels on charitable deeds 
intent, went hither and thither to aid and succor those who lay bleeding and helpless 
in the houses and barns near the field of strife. Friend and foe alike received their 
attention, and many a feeble voice rose to call them blessed. 

Devastation follows the track of the army on its march. Fences disappear, as 
if by magic, to feed the bivouac fires, while everything eatable is appropriated to feed 
the stomach. Even the commonest necessaries of life cannot be purchased at the 
farm houses, and we are ioixed to depend upon the Commissariat, and content 
ourselves with " marching rations," which comprises hard bread, coffee, sugar and 
fresh beef two or three times a week. 

After our regular Sunday inspection to-day, the brigade attended divine service 
conducted by the several chaplains. General Patrick, by invitation, gave a lecture, 
contrasting the march of the Israelites of old, under Moses, and their passage through 
the Red Sea, to that of our present campaign, and the similarity that existed between 
the Jewish commonwealth and the Government of the United States. The General 
is an earnest, Christian soldier, and takes a deep and religious interest in the moral 
as well as physical well being of his brigade. A brave and prudent General, he has 
won the confidence and esteem of officers and men. 

Monday, September 29th. 

We moved our camp to-day, for sanitary reasons, from the woods to the open 
field, and somewhat nearer the Potomac, which is now in plain sight. The men can 
now have an opportunity to bathe, which has hitherto been denied them, the 
proximity of the foe on the opposite bank rendering it somewhat dangerous. It 
appears that they have fallen back, and our own pickets now occupy that bank 
of the river. 

After being cut off from communication with the outer world for several weeks, 
we are once more enabled to hear what is going on outside of our lines. The 
Philadelphia and Baltimore papers reach us daily. We are often amused at the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 307 

flaming headings that precede the telegraphic news. How the rebels are being 
annihilated, and Stonewall Jackson and his whole army bagged. I have no doubt 
much of it is swallowed by the public, but we have learned to look with distrust on 
all newspaper announcements of great victories. Pope announced brilliant successes 
in Virginia, when, if he had told the plain truth, it would have been belter for 
himself and for the country. It would have had the effect of hastening the new 
troops forward, perhaps saved the disaster at Harper's Ferry, and prevented Jackson 
from forming a junction with Lee. 

Our people at home no doubt wonder why we have not bagged the rebel army, 
and get out of patience from day to day because the ragamuffins are not annihilated. 
It is just what we would like very much to do if we could. These rebels have a way 
of striking back, which makes us have some respect for their presence. If our people 
are so anxious to wipe out these fellows, why don't they come down here and try it 
on ? One fight, such as we have been in, would take the conceit out of them some. 
They are as\rave as we are, their army quite as large and better disciplined. As 
long as they can find enough to eat they will give blow for blow, even if they are 
forc'ed to adopt the uniform of the Arkansas cavalry -a shirt collar and a pair 

of spurs. 

Tuesday, September 30th. 

The whole corps seems to have changed its position, and now lies along the 
Potomac. How far the enemy is from us is unknown to your correspondent. A 
balloon reconnoissance was made from our lines this morning, but I have not learned 

the result. 

Our wounded have all been sent away, and are now in the government hospitals, 
either at Frederick, Washington or Baltimore. A large number of wounded rebels 
remain, who receive the best attention, a fact, I trust, which will have its eff-ect on 
their leaders, and influence them to treat our wounded, who fall into their hands, as 
well, and thus mitigate, in some degree, the horrors of this unnatural war. 

We have received but one mail from home since the battle. We have been 
promised another for several days past, but it has not yet arrived. The appearance 
of the paymaster, too, is anxiously looked for. Five months' pay is now due the men 
and they ought to have it. Our march has been so rapid, however, that he could 
never reach us, although I understand he made the attempt. 

The young ladies of the Central School will be interested to learn that the flag 
which they presented to the regiment is .still in our keeping, more dearly prized than 
ever. Somewhat torn and faded, yet its appearance will tell more eloquently than 

words how it has 

" Braved the battle and the breeze," 

and we are willing to confess that we look forward to the time with anxious solicitude 
when those who are left of us will return to our homes with it proudly floating over 
our heads. God grant the time may not be far distant. 

Wednesday, October ist. 

The usual routine of camp duties is again performed — guard mounting, drill 

and parade. Last night two companies were under charge of non-commissioned 

officers. One company presented a front of four files. To be sure the ranks were 

somewhat thinned by the details for guard, fatigue duty, etc., but our regiment is 



308 CHRONICLES OF THE 

short even when all who are capable of doing duty are present. The following 
officers are now present : Colonel Rogers, Adjutant Sternberg, Captain Adams, 
Lieutenants Wheeler, McLiesh, Remington, Schermerhorn, Beebee, Efner, Minnery 
and Halsey. Captain Washburne has not been heard of since the battle of Bull Run. 
All the others are either sick or wounded, and we hope will join us soon. 

I.,ieutenant Colonel Drew has resigned on account of ill healtli. He left for 
home on Monday. 

Another, of a later date, from Chaplain Robie: 

Near Sharpsburg, Md., October 6th, 1862. 

Dear — Nothing here yet indicates an advance. " All is quiet on the lines of 
the Upper Potomac!" When Mac will suppose himself ready to make another 
demonstration is only known to himself. My idea is that he don't intend to cross 
the river here, but will find his way to Washington, and that as soon as the river 
rises. It is so strange, so remarkably mysterious to us pugnacious ones, that all this 
fine and dry weather is permitted to pass and we do nothing. 

A number of our officers have been quite sick of late. Our Adjutant, hitherto 
hale and hearty, and strong and bony enough to do the duty of a dozen men, has had 
to succumb for a few days. He is now improving. Lieutenants Wheeler and 
Remington have been confined for some days, but are now convalescent. Several 
of the boys are sick, too unwell to remain in camp. 



A word on correspondence. Many friends of the boys may suppose that we 
are exceedingly dilatory in answering their inquiries. I have only to say that the 
mails reach us very irregularly. Sometimes eight or nine days will pass before we 
receive any. Then, as yesterday, my letters are old, some of them twelve and 
fifteen days back. I have answered twenty-one today, received in yesterday's mail; 
in most of the instances I have no doubt much earlier intelligence has been received 
by the anxious and afflicted ones. I shall send you, at once, all matters of interest. 

It is now going on Jive months since the Government has paid our regiment. 
You need not be informed that we are in the midst of a money famine. The boys 
do actually need some in order to make soldiering at all comfortable. 

The weather has been delightfully fine ever since the battle. Good bye, 

ROBIE. 

On Wednesday, October 8th, the boys were turned out to say 
good-bye to their old General, who, having been assigned to duty 
at headquarters as Provost Marshal General of the army, on that 
day relinquished his command to Colonel Rogers. 

The following is his farewell order, listened to with mingled 
pride and regret by those who, in months of peril and hardship, had 
earned to place in him their confidence and love: 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 309 

Headquarters 3D Brigade, ist Division, ist Army Corps, 
Camp Barnett, October 7th, 1862. 
General Orders No. 64. 

The Brigadier General Commanding, having been assigned to duty at the 
headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, by General Orders No. 161, of the 6th 
instant, hereby relinquishes to Colonel Rogers, of the Twenty-First regiment, the 
command of this brigade, which was received from him seven months ago. (July 
seven months ago the General assumed command : Yet the ties that bind together 
those who, like ourselves, have shared each other's hardships and dangers, who have 
followed the same standard through so many battles, and gathered around it with 
ranks thinned, but unbroken, when the combat was over — such ties cannot be broken 
by the order that relieves your General from the command. 

That he must continue to take the liveliest interest in the welfare of a brigade 
that has never failed in the hour of peril, whether in daylight or in darkness, to honor 
his every command, no one can doubt, and he trusts that both officers and men will 
touch lightly upon his faults, in the full conviction that as their Commander, he has 
endeavored to discharge his duties to them, to his country and his God. 

He leaves you with fervent wishes for your prosperity, and the earnest hope 
that an honorable peace may soon be won, so that -we may once more return to our 
own loved homes by the broad rivers and lakes of the Empire State. By order of 

BRIGADIER GENERAL PATRICK. 

J. P. Kimball, A. A. General. 

His successor, General Paul, assumed command of the brigade 
on the 14th, and Colonel Rogers, whose health demands instant 
release from his duties, left for home on furlough, leaving the 
regiment in command of Major Sternberg. Orders had been issued 
on the loth, for the command to hold itself In readiness to move at 
an hour's notice, and on the 13th one hundred rounds of cartridges 
had been dealt out to each man. The army had not been idle. 
Details of mechanics, the "mud-sills" of the North, busily plying 
their various crafts, were reconstructing the bridge across the 
Potomac ; every day witnessed progress in the preparations to 
cross, and it was hoped that the storm of the equinox, which always 
swells the Potomac at about this season, would speedily send down 
the floods from the mountains, making the rivfer impassible to the 
rebels, while we, already across at this point, could move against 
them with all our force. 

Meanwhile our men were improving in health and spirits, but 
not yet up to their old standard, and gaining slowly in numbers by 
return from hospital of the less severely wounded and a few of the 
sick who had been sent there before the fighting. Chaplain Robie 
writes from Washington, to a friend in Buffalo, on the 17th inst. : 



3IO CHRONICLES OF THE 

" I have been here for two days past ; shall probably leave 
to-morrow, not for my home and friends in Buffalo, but to rejoin 
my regiment. I hear no news which will shed light on the dear 
missing ones connected with some of our city families." 

About twelve or fifteen of the Twenty-First, would return with 
the Chaplain to the camp. The health of Captain Clinton was 
improving ; Captain Layton was still ill ; Sergeant Davock was 
much better; Lieutenant Vallier was anxious to return, but would 
not be able to do so for several weeks. The letter adds : "We 
shall be highly gratified if we can ever again muster three 
hundred men. 

The Christian Advocate publishes a letter from "Jimmy," the 
Post Boy of the Twenty-First, from which we make the following 

extracts : 

Camp Barnett, Md., October i8th, 1862. 

* * * Our men are all much pleased with the promotions in 

the reo-iment ; all of our field officers have proved themselves to be the right men in 
the right place. William Burt, of Company B, has been appointed Sergeant Major 
in place of W. H. Fargo, promoted. Burt has earned his position, and all are glad 
he has it. 

The health of the regiment is fair, considering what it has gone through. We 
all miss Dr. Wilcox, but do not want him to return until he has entirely recovered 
his former strength, which he lost by keeping up three nights and days, constantly 
watching and attending to the wounded of the Twenty-First. 

General Paul is our new Brigadier General. The War Department seems 
determined to furnish only "canonized" gentlemen to this brigade, and if he will 
prove as good as his predecessor, "St. Patrick," our men will have no cause 
to complain. 

Lieutenant P. C. Doyle, is now acting Provost Marshal of the Army Corps. 
His company goes with him as Provost Guard. Lieutenant B. Schermerhorn takes 
his place as acting Quartermaster of the regiment. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 31I 



CHAPTER XVIII 



On the March again.—" Pound Sterling."— The rigors of the Fall Campaign.— Crampton's 
Gap.— Bloomfield.— The Enemy just in advance.— We reach Warrenton.— General McClellan 
relieved of his command, and succeeded by General Burnside.— Consequent feeling in 
the Army. 



AT last, on Monday, October 20th, came the order to march — 
the division having been ordered to Bakersville, about six 
miles from the Potomac. This was supposed to be initiatory to a 
general movement of the army, and was hailed accordingly. At 
Bakersville another week was passed in " preparations " and picket 
duty. Meanwhile the weather, which had grown very cold, became 
cloudy and it rained almost daily. In the midst of a storm on 
Sunday the 26th, came the order to march for Crampton's Gap. 

" This order," says " Pound Sterling," the genial historian of 
our Twenty-Third regiment, " turned us houseless into the cold 
northeaster which came down incessantly, drenching us to the skin. 
Hours elapsed before the long column which was to precede us had 
passed, and night, densely dark and gloomy, spread around. 
Cheered by the darkness the spirit of the storm grew wilder and 
fiercer, and laughed in apparent glee. 

" The boys had made huge bonfires of the rubbish of deserted 
tents, and around each a group of soldiers looked in the vivid glare 
of the firelight like so many spectres. The passing column would 
come up out of the darkness into the light, blurt out some badinage 
at us, and plunge again into the gloom. At last the tail of the great 
serpent trailed itself past, and we plunged out into the blackness. 
The rain had made the knapsacks heavy, and the earth a slippery, 
slimy mass of mire. We staggered, braced, staggered again, and 
fell — fell sprawling into this muddy mixture. The passing of 
thousands of feet had made a sea of the road. It was from half 
shoe to ankle deep, and treacherous sloughs let the unsuspected 
soldier almost knee deep into the slush." 



312 CHRONICLES OF THE 

From a published leaf of Chaplain Robie's journal, I take the 
following- description of the day's misery and night of suffering that 
accomplished the removal of two and a half miles from our camp 
of that morning : 

" But what was our disappointment to-day, Sabbath, when 
orders came, about three o'clock, to strike tents and move! Could 
it be possible ! and what was the demand for such an unheard of 
trial ! But the command must be obeyed. So near dark our 
drenched tents were knotted up, the rain at the time descending in 
torrents, and we were preparing for the final leave. Such an 
uncomfortable time we had never before experienced, and to make 
our condition still more unpleasant, it grew suddenly and 
intensely cold. 

" Were I possessed of the descriptive power adequate, I could 
picture a scene which would make the hearts of our friends at home 
chill with horror. They should first see our boys, almost in all 
respects, unprepared for a march of any kind. Still dressed in their 
summer clothing, not one-third of them having overcoats, and 
numbers of them with worn out and leaky shoes, and withal, poorly 
fed. In this sad plight amidst the rain and chilling winds, and after 
dark, they started on their weary march. 

" As soon as we had left the light of our camp fires, the 
darkness became dense and hardly an object could be traced. The 
roads, too, had become about as bad as they could be made. The 
mud much of the way was over the shoes of the boys, while in many 
places the water was nearly knee deep.* The scene and suftering 
was deplorable and intense. Never were my feelings more touched. 
I could not and have not discovered the need of this sacrifice on 
the part of the soldiers. But on we went, stumbling over stones, 
and groping our way through dense woods, and delving in the 
mud and mire of recently ploughed fields. Could fathers and 
mothers have seen their boys in such a sad plight how would their 
hearts have been touched ! They know but little what war compels 
their sons to endure ! 

" But this was not all of the disastrous night. Soon after nine 
o'clock our column was deployed in a field of low land, a little in 
the rear of the center line, which fought so valiantly in the 



*" There was one good feature about this day's march. It was not one of those doubtful 
days when, by picking your way now here, now here, you can partially protect yourself, for the 
mud was deep and universal. There was no anxiety about it ; your first plunge settled the matter, 
and you had wet feet and the entire freedom of the road for the rest of the day." — Captain Xoyes. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 313 

memorable battle of Antietam. Here, in the midst of the cold and 
violent rain, we tried to make our state endurable. But imagine a 
regiment, with poor clothing, and what they had soaking in the 
wet, in a mud field, attempting to find rest ! To be sure, we soon 
had lighted a multitude of camp fires, but nothing further could be 
provided, as we expected every moment to move further on. So, 
amid this state of uncertainty, with every element seemingly 
unfriendly to our peace, we lingered out one of the most miserable 
nights of our military life. As I passed around among the poor 
shivering boys, hoping to cheer them a little, I must confess to a 
good deal of sympathy. But this is only one of our war scenes. 
The Twenty-First has endured many such already. May its future 
be brighter ! " 

Next day we reached Crampton's Gap, and the day after arrived 
at Berlin, about four o'clock in the afternoon. Here the half clothed 
column was gladdened by the issue of overcoats, large and warm, 
and of the prescribed light army blue — but few of the old black 
ones, so long our distinguishing uniform, being now left in the 
regiment. 

We lay at Berlin one day ; that day being devoted to a brigade 
drill and the making out of pay rolls, a happy event, as it pointed 
to the eventual arrival of our paymaster and the liquidation of long 
arrears in our account with Uncle Sam. 

On the 30th, we said good-bye to Maryland, put our worldly 
effects into transportable shape, and once more crossed the 
Potomac into Virginia, making a march by moonlight for about ten 
miles on the turnpike toward Leesburg, camping about nine o'clock 
near Lovettsville. Next day we marched a mile farther, turned oft" 
the main road and again encamped until lo o'clock the following 
morning, when we moved on to the Leesburg and Snickersville 
turnpike, which we followed rapidly toward the latter town, halted 
again at Purcellsville, where the balance of the regiment bivouacked, 
while Co. " K " went forward and did picket duty until the next 
day, when they were relieved by " D." Our advancing column had 
here encountered a rebel force that morning, driving them toward 
Bloomfield where they were still fighting that day. 

This was on Sunday, the first day of November, and " Pound 
Sterling" gives the following description of the brigade church 
service of that day : 

" The primeval forest was our church, lighted up with all the 
splendor of a brilliant sun, and decked most gorgeously with the 



314 CHRONICLES OF THE 

rich and varied tinted foliage with which autumn so lavishly adorns 
the forests. The same breeze that wafted to us the deep toned 
thunder of the battle at the Gap, wafted a shower of seared leaves 
from the overhanging- boughs, which fell upon our heads — a meet 
baptism and token of the presence of the great I AM, at our 
worship. The scene was a solemn one, and the clear, rich tones of 
our Chaplain, as in eloquent terms he expounded the great truths 
of God's plan of salvation, and reverently lifted the vail that we 
might gaze upon the glories of the hereafter, added a deeper 
solemnity, and in awe we felt that God was walking through the 
forest and in our midst. Hundreds of stout hearts, who had looked 
death calmly in the face in more than half a score of battles, were 
now awe stricken, and bowed in devout worship of His unseen 
presence." 

Chaplain Robie, on the same day, writes as follows : 

" The weather is very beautiful, the finest of the fall. The 
roads too. are in most excellent condition. This is much to say for 
old Virginia, for generally, roads are bad. 

" The movement of a large army is a most magnificent sight, 
one which I wish you could see, as you would then be impressed 
with the vastness of the work in which we are engaged. 

" Thus far our march in Virginia has been one of much interest, 
the better country and the nearness of the enemy, rendered it really 
exciting. To-day we may be brought in closer proximity than will 
be really relishable, though we came here to shoot and be shot at. 
Let the conflict rage if it will only bring about the grand result — 
the hoped for, prayed for consummation — peace and the complete 
establishment of the old blessed Union. 

" But few of the regiment are now sick, less I judge, in propor- 
tion, than ever before. I am glad to record this fact, as it may be 
gratifying to friends who have dear ones with us. 

" A grand affair came off among us yesterday, one which will 
cause more joy and produce more contentment among the boys 
than almost any other which occurred. I refer to the Mtister and 
the making out of our Pay Rolls. The prospect now is that the 
boys will have some money before long, and be assured, when it 
comes, there will be a shout in the camps ! 

" The discipline and command of the regiment is favorable — the 
command, especially, having fallen into most competent hands. 
Captain Lee, acting Colonel, possesses many of the essentials of an 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 315 

able and popular leader. Had another field ofificer to be appointed 
many of our minds would fall on him as one most competent to fill 
the position. This reference, I am sure, will be pleasing to our 
Colonel, who is sick and absent from us, but whose return will be 
welcomed by us all. 

" I might also speak in the best terms of our new Adjutant, 
Lieutenant Samuel P. Gail. He takes to the position admirably 
and seems quite at home in meeting the responsibilities of one of 
the most difficult and active positions in the regiment. 

" But I must close, as we move, with short reference this time 
to our new acting Quartermaster Schermerhorn and Surgeons Fry 
and Gibbs, all of whom are aiming to reflect honor on the positions 
which have only lately been assigned them. 

" In my next, should I have an opportunity of again writing, I 
may give you items of more exciting character. But as we are off", 
I must bid you and my good friends in Buffalo good-bye." 

On Monday we marched about eight miles toward Ashby's 
Gap, camping at night near Bloomfield. The smouldering fires 
here showed where the enemy's pickets had been the night before. 
The next day's march was a short one, and our tents were again 
pitched, that afternoon, in a forest a short distance beyond the 
village. On Wednesday morning, at g o'clock, the march was 
resumed. " Gibbon's and Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman's brigade 
now took the road to the right, General Patrick's (now Paul's) and 
that of General Hatch taking that to the left, over the hills. The 
day was well advanced before this long and cumbersome column of 
infantry, artillery, ambulance and baggage trains had uncoiled itself 
and was fully under way ; so we were constantly checked, would go 
a little way and stop for the column to move, then go a little farther 
and stop again. At last a certain steadiness was gained, and onward 
we pressed at a rapid pace. It was only occasionally checked by 
creeks and narrow defiles. Up and down the rocky sides of these 
mongrel mountains and across broad expanses of field and wood we 
hurry ; now we dive into a deep dark forest— emerge, and taking 
a short turn sweep off" to the right or left, constantly walled in by 
stone fences. We make all points of the compass, but press onward, 
still onward. 

" Weakly men sink at last under their burden, unable to 
proceed — nature, but not themselves, is exhausted. 'Bully' men 
swear they will not go a step farther, and lie down to rest, regardless 
of consequences. Resolute men keep pace. Night at last made 



3l6 CHRONICLES OF THE 

progress more difficult, and the welcome fires of the advance gleamed 
out through the darkness, and we pitched our tents and sought rest 
and sleep. This bivouac lay about one mile east of Hectortown. 
We had carried our knapsacks about twenty-four miles that day, 
but had only made about sixteen miles in a direct line." 

Next day we marched at 7 o'clock, through Salem and across 
the Manassas Gap Railroad to Warrenton. The march was, in 
difficulty, nearly a repetition of that of yesterday. We made 
eighteen miles, marching for most of the time by division and 
company front, through fields and woods and avoiding the easier 
roads, for we were constantly near the enemy, and the fighting in 
front was almost continual. Our cavalry took the advance with the 
Pennsylvania Reserves, and had no difficulty in driving the rebels 
out of Warrenton as we approached. We took many rebel 
prisoners here and found many of the enemy's wounded in charge 
of their surgeons, who sat, decked out in their best, at the doors of 
the finest houses, and amused themselves by a skirmish of comment 
and retort with our troops as they filed past. 

We formed our camp near the " pike" half a mile west of the 
town, and here it remained until Tuesday, the nth of November. 
Next day we had our first snow storm, an event for which we were 
hardly prepared. " A dog's kennel is more comfortable than the 
little shelter tent, and attempts at comfort are rather futile. But the 
dumb brutes suffer more than the men. In a few hours the weather 
had changed from a pleasant autumn day to all the rigor of mid 
winter. Snow fell to the depth of four inches on Friday, but it was 
very transient, lasting only two days." 

On Saturday some of our officers visited Warrenton, where it 
had just begun to be whispered at headquarters that an order 
relieving General McClellan from the command had been received. 
In fact. General Burnside, who had been ordered to assume com- 
mand, was at that time holding a consultation with the other generals 
upon the question of accepting, which he was not yet willing to do. 
It was not until Monday following that this order was officially 
announced, the troops being on that day called out to receive the 
farewell of their old commander. The feeling with which the army 
received this news was as deep as unmistakable ; it is certain that, 
deserved or not, no man could hold a nearer place in their hearts 
than that held by the favorite commander whom they were now 
about to lose, and many agree in the opinion that if the army ever 
approached demoralization it was near that condition at this time. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 317 

They seemed to have lost all spirit, or were furious, mad with the 
thought of what they considered rank injustice and ingratitude to 
their idolized leader, whom they also looked upon as the one who 
had saved them and the country. This feeling even went so far as 
to cause every officer in one of the Wisconsin regiments to resign, 
and following the example was seriously contemplated by the entire 
field, staff and line of other organizations, who were checked by 
hearing that those resignation had been returned from headquarters 
with the query if this " were not a mutiny ? " 






^^%> 



V iJi^ 



3l8 CHRONICLES OF THE 



CHAPTER XIX. 



Our third March to Fredericksburg. — Death of Surgeon Wilcox. — The weather becomes cold, with 
Snow. — Rigors of the March. — Preparing for the Fight. — The Battle of Fredericksburg. 



AT ten o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, November, nth, 
the army was again in motion, en route for Fredericksburg. 
It was known to the army generally that such was its probable 
destination, but it was also possible, and by many considered 
probable that a battle would be fought before reaching that place. 
Firing was occasionally heard in the direction of the Rappahannock, 
and the enemy was always known to be within striking distance, 
only the fact that the river flowed between the two armies rendered 
it probable that he would await an attack upon his own side. 

We marched that day to Fayetteville, a distance of only eight 
miles, and camped, some time -after dark. Here our division lay 
with the great part of the army until the 17th, the interval being 
employed in drilling the men and replacing the horses, a great 
many of them having been disabled by hoof disease. 

This camp was made memorable by one of the saddest events 
in our history as a regiment, for it was here that we received news 
of the death of our old much loved Surgeon, Doctor Wilcox. It 
was a blow as sudden as it was grievous, for though all knew that 
his devotion to his charge had jeopardized his health, few had 
imagined that that noble heart and ready hand, that ever active 
figure and the cheerful face all had learned to greet as belonging 
to one of our truest and bravest friends, had gone from us never to 
return; never to know perhaps the half of that we felt for him, or 
the void he left, never to be filled. To the truth of the facts set 
forth in the following obituary, published in the Morning Express 
of November Sth, we can most heartily subscribe. 

Obituary. — Dr. Charles H. Wilcox, Surgeon of the Twenty-First Regiment, 
a necessarily brief notice of whose sad death we have already given, has been for 
many years a resident of this city, and was one of our most distinguished physicians 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 319 

and respected citizens, and warmly esteemed by all who knew him. At the time the 
rebellion broke out he abandoned his lucrative practice, and actuated by the purest 
motives of patriotism and humanity alone, and at no small personal sacrifice, accepted 
the appointment of Surgeon in the Twenty- First Regiment. His death, the result of 
his noble devotion to his arduous duties, furnishes a mournful evidence of the untir- 
ing faithfulness with which he executed the great and serious responsibilities of his 
position. Forgetful of self, he thought only of the safety and comfort of those 
committed to his care. Night and day, in the camp, the hospital and amidst the 
roar of battle, he was with them, unceasing in his efforts to alleviate their sufferings, 
performing his duties with the patience and devotedness of a Christian, the courage 
of a soldier and gentleness of a woman. 

The long exemption of his regiment from sickness is a high compliment to his 
ability, and the deep sorrow of its members at his death a rare tribute to his worth. 

When he first joined the regiment, we are informed that he was not popular 
with the men, on account of the strictness with which he enforced all sanitary 
measures, but as time wore on, and they saw hundreds in other regiments stricken 
down by disease while they remained untouched, they began to appreciate and 
respect that unceasing vigilance and decision which had preserved them; and as they 
became better acquainted with his noble qualities, to their respect was added a strong 
and abiding affection. Those who knew him best and needed him most, will most 
miss him. Those for whom he gave his life as a sacrifice that they might be saved, 
can best appreciate what a costly sacrifice it was, and will remember it gratefully and 
tenderly as long as the memory of their glory and suffering remains. He died for 
the benefit of humanity— may his memory live and grow bright with the lapse of 
years for that of posterity. 

We append the following resolutions adopted at a meeting of 
the officers of our regiment, held immediately after receiving news 
of his death: 

Camp of the 2ist Regiment N. Y. V., Near Fayetteville, Va., 

November I3lh, 1S62. 

At a meeting of the officers of the Twenty-First Regiment, held upon the 
announcement of the death of Charles H. Wilcox, our recent Surgeon, the following 
proceedings were had : 

Captain Edward L. Lee was appointed Chairman, and Lieutenant Samuel P. 
Gail Secretary. 

On motion of Chaplain John E. Robie, the Chairman appointed the following 
officers a Committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting : 
Chaplain John E. Robie, Captain A. M. Adams, Captain H. P. Clinton, Assistant 
Surgeon Chas. B. Fry, Lieutenant Levi Vallier. 

The Committee made the following report, which was unanimously adopted : 

Whereas, It has pleased our Great Captain to remove from us our late comrade 
and brother officer. Surgeon Charles H. Wilcox, we deem it proper that we should 
express, in some fitting manner, our deep grief at the dispensation, and tender our 
condolence to those connected to him by nearer ties than ourselves. Surgeon Wilcox 
has been with us since our organization as a regiment, and until he recently left us to 



320 CHRONICLES OF THE 

return no more, has been constantly with us. He had so endeared himself to us 
that we feel his loss almost irreparable. As a man he was genial, kind and universally 
esteemed. As a surgeon, skillful and accomplished, and as an officer, firm, faithful, 
and untiring in the performance of his duties. 

To his untiring zeal and labor we attribute in a great degree the unexampled 
health which has blessed our regiment, and to his skill, and courage on the battle 
field, many a brave soldier owes his life. On the late bloody fields of Manassas, 
South Mountain and Antietam he signally distinguished himself. For days he 
scarcely bethought himself of food or rest, but was everywhere present contributing 
his personal efforts and professional skill to the aid of the wounded and dying. 
Many, many live to bless his memory 1 

He has died in his efforts to save the lives of others, another noble sacrifice on 
the altar of his country. We cherish his memory for the deeds he has done. None 
braver have fallen on the field ; none more devoted to duty and their country live to 
mourn his loss. It is therefore 

Resolved, That in the death of Surgeon Cliarles H. Wilcox, the profession has 
lost one of its brightest ornaments, society an accomplished gentleman, and our 
Regiment one who has guarded it with the most devoted care, and bound us to him 
by endearing ties. 

Resolved, That we deeply deplore his loss, and tender our most heartfelt 
sympathy to his bereaved wife and family — feeling, though we mourn, that a gracious 
God ordereth all things aright, and in this dispensation will work out a most benign 
Providence. 

Resolved, That the officers of this regiment wear the usual badge of mourning 
for thirty days. 

Resolved, That these proceedings be published in the daily journals of Buffalo, 
and a copy be foi-warded to the family of the deceased. 

EDWARD L. LEE, Chairman. 
Samuel P. Gail, Secretary. 

Early morning of the 17th, ushered in a chilUng, gloomy rain 
storm, in which we "broke camp" at ten and again took to the 
almost impassable road. We marched slowly and made but fifteen 
miles that day, halting at nine in the evening, about six miles 
beyond Townsville, where in soldier phrase, we " fooled around" 
for about an hour before a practicable camping spot could be found. 
After a night's sleep in the mud we pushed oa at eight in the morn- 
ing, crossing the Fredericksburg turn])ike and taking the road to 
Stafford Court House, halting before dark upon a good camping 
ground, with wood and water, the latter especially, in abundance. 
The rain still continued, and the roads were so bad that a distance 
of but fourteen miles had, with much difficulty, been accomplished 
this day. The baggage trains were mired with the artillery miles 
behind, and our officers, who were thus without tents, were fain 
to accept the hospitalities of us " dromedaries " or pass the night 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 321 

indifferently, or worse, with no shelter but their independence and 
no couch but the oozy earth and their dig-nity. 

Next morning at ten, we again moved on, and still it rained. 
Our General had selected a camping ground a few miles farther, 
and there we halted, passed the night near a swamp in which our 
trains were stuck fast, while the rain still came down in torrents, 
and in the morning, once more planted our camp, this time upon a 
hill side where the ground presented at least an appearance of 
firmness, and erected our slight defensive works against the rain 
and cold ; this time, as we expected to remain some days, adding a 
further protection in the shape of roughly improvised walls of logs, 
twigs and bark. 

Next day, Friday, November 21st, it stopped raining, and we 
once more had the usual parade at evening. But our expectation 
of remaining at least a short time in comparative comfort, was 
rudely dispelled on the following morning, by a sudden order to 
move immediately for Brooks' Station, on the Acquia Creek Rail- 
road, about six miles from Fredericksburg. 

We lay at Brooks' Station a little more than two weeks, 
employing the time in making ourselves comfortable, for the weather 
had grown very cold and rainy — drilling, and awaiting develop- 
ments at the front, where our picket lines confronted the enemy's 
at the Rappahannock. The roads were in a horrible condition, and 
a part of the time the troops in advance were on half rations, in 
consequence of the difficulty of getting supplies to them. Our own 
condition was bad enough, with no covering but the little shelter 
tents, eked out by such contrivances as our ingenuity enabled us to 
construct with very limited material. On the 27th, Thursday, 
General Patrick gave us a visit and was affectionately welcomed ; 
even though the opportunity involved a lecture, which was listened 
to with exemplary attention by the a'ssembled brigade. On the 
same day — happy event — the Paymaster arrived, and the first money 
we had received for nearly seven months, was dealt out to us by 
him on the next. It came most opportunely, for even the most 
provident had long since wholly exhausted their little reserve of 
"tobacco money." 

The following extract is from a letter written two days before 
this event, by Chaplain Robie. 

" A good deal of interest gathers around Fredericksburg just 
now. We are only six miles distant, and expect every moment to 
hear the terrible artillery open. A large rebel force is on the 



322 CHRONICLES OF THE 

opposite side of the river, in plain view of our columns, and soon a 
collision must take place. If we are to be engaged again, I am 
pleased that the conflict will be no farther off from the capital. But, 
Oh, the thought of another battle! I have seen and heard so much 
that even the thought is frightful. But if it comes, God be praised, 
that there will be some who will not shrink from any duty 
connected with it. 

"Marshall Tryon met with a fearful accident a few days since. 
He fell from a wagon and both wheels passed over his body. It is 
a wonder he was not killed. He is now improving fast. 

"A soldier by the name of Bettenger is quite sick in the 
hospital. I don't think he can live." 

Our Chaplain went to Washington on the Monday following, 
for the purpose of forwarding the money the boys desired to send 
home.* 

Our history now approaches the last of those sanguinary 
struggles on Virginia soil, which marked the year 1862, as one of 
the costliest in human life of the five, during which, forward and 
backward swayed the tide of battle, and the victor of to-day was 
the vanquished and the fugitive of to-morrow ; the last, and which 
was to leave us with no offset of success for the reverses of summer 
and autumn, wiping off the bloody score of Antietam, and adding 
one more to the number ot cruel reverses which our gallant little 
army had endured. What if its hard marched, hard fought, hard 
used and too often unworthily commanded ranks, fought often a 
hard fight with hope, against despair and the demoralizing elements 
which stood ever ready to prompt the weak and weary in their 
despondent hours. 

But at the time of which I write, a period concerning which I 
have been able to gather but too little record, all other feeling was 
merged in hopeful preparation for a dubious encounter with a foe, 
whose well known valor gave no ground for vaunting expectation, 
much less for the easy self assured confidence of victory with which 
we had too often approached him. 

On the morning of December 4th, orders were received to 
march, but before the hour arrived they were countermanded. 
However, this not unusual delay gave us plenty of time to prepare. 

* This extract from a Buffalo paper shows how our boys remembered their families ; 

" Money from the Twenty-First Regiment. — Wm, B. Peck, of the American Express 
Co., has received from the members of the Twenty-First Regiment, the sum of $12,481.75, to be paid 
to relatives here. This is indeed handsome, and shows that the men are not unmindful ot the 
necessities of those dependent upon them at home." 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 323 

Next day began in rain storm, which chang-ed in the afternoon to 
snow, with a corresponding fall of temperature, and the boys 
recognized the fact that winter had indeed come, a fact more 
apparent still on the succeeding morning, when they woke to find 
everything covered with snow to a depth of several inches. Two 
of the half starved horses of our train, were stark and stiff, as is 
feelingly chronicled by a disconsolate, whose future hard-tack he 
knew must often depend upon the too uncertain ability of " them 
wagons " to keep their places. 

On the 6th, Colonel Rogers returned, and all were delighted 
to see him again in improved health. His arrival was especially 
opportune, as whisperings and rumors were rife of a contemplated 
grand move shortly, XP be followed by a grand battle ; and who, of 
all who might lead worthily, and with honor to themselves and the 
regiment, could lead our column so well, and be so well followed as 
he who so oft had calmly eyed his line in the battle's front, 
seemingly a charmed life, and all consciousness of self lost in his 
solicitude for his regiment's honor and efficiency. 

On Tuesday, December 9th, in weather miserably cold, mud 
deep, and a disheartening state of things generally, our boys again 
pulled up their tent stakes, and concentrating as much as possible 
their worldly effects, again "padded their hoofs." The direction 
and supposed destination of the march was Potomac Creek. 
Chaplain Robie has kindly loaned me his short-hand diary, a gem 
of its kind, with its terse laconic wording and compact hieroglyphics, 
albeit some of the good Doctor's "pot-hooks and hangers" are 
somewhat of a puzzle, and from it I shall hereafter glean extensively. 
Of this day's march, he says : 

" We moved to-day about four miles. The weather is not 
pleasant, the ground is covered with snow, and it is somewhat cold. 
The snow and mud made it very unpleasant for the boys. Late in 
the afternoon we encamped in the open woods, as usual, nearly a 
mile from the road. I marched to-day on foot, ' Old Bones,' having 
died from mere starvation some three days since. Am now tired 5 
and, seated under a little pine, I am ruminating upon this most 
unfortunately conducted war." 

Here our good Chaplain's indignation must have reached high 
pressure, for not even short-hand seems to have been a rapid enough 
means of expression, so we will skip to — 

Wednesday, December 10. — " Our night's sleep was somewhat 
peculiar, as the winter's snow is upon us. We are encamped on a 



334 CHRONICLES OF THE 

side hill in an open forest. Our staff tents not coming up, we were 
compelled to take to the ground, and as it was covered with snow 
we resorted to the expedient of strewing upon it the boughs of the 
pine and fir. Over these we spread our blankets, and making a 
fire, we tried to sleep. The Colonel, Adjutant and myself were 
together. The two found a little sleep, but, poor me, I was 
obliged to pass a wakeful night. It was cold, and I was nervous. 
It was also hard on the Colonel, for this morning he looks and 
feels unwell. 

" The march to-day has been pleasant, may be about four 
miles (bringing us to the neighborhood of our old ' Camp Rufus 
King '), which I walked. 

" It is said we are to have a fight soon, perhaps to-morrow. We 
shall see. Our camp for to-day is very pleasant, being laid out in 
a pine wood ; it is clean and the sun shines softly in among the trees. 
We anticipate a delightful afternoon. But now an order comes for 
soldiers on detached service to-morrow in crossing the river I'' 

Tuesday, December nth, 1862. — "Memorable day with us! 
The terrible preparations continued pretty much all night. The 
first cannon was fired at ten minutes of five o'clock, and was followed 
by another ; then a silence till a quarter of six o'clock. Now the 
regiment is ready ; we are awaiting orders ; the boys are handing 
me their money. 

" It is now half-past six-o'clock. For half an hour the 
cannonading has been terribly incessant. We are located about two 
miles from where the firing is going on, waiting for orders to move. 
The thunder of the artillery appears to silence the whole camp. 
Our Colonel sits, while I write, in a pensive and reflective state, 
meditating no doubt, the solemn responsibilities which await him. 
Around him are gathered many others silent and thoughtful." 

And now, at a little after eight, while tremendous peals shock 
earth and sky as if to discourage their movement with threatening 
omen, our little regiment moves forward to the river, while the 
Chaplain, who as a non-combatant will not be permitted to cross 
with them, takes his way to the nearest possible point of view, from 
which to see the operations of both armies ; and as his experiences 
for this day are, perhaps, of more interest and certainly more 
available than those of the little band quietly waiting at the river 
bank their opportunity to cross, we will go with him. 

' ' I left camp with Private P , at half-past eight, and we 

slowly wended our way towards the Phillips House, just opposite the 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 325 

city. The fog and smoke were so intense that at first we could see 
nothing plainly, but as the sun comes forth warmly they seem 
momently to break and lift. On our way we passed vast bodies of 
cavalry drawn up in line, probably awaiting the opportunity to go 
over ; also, immense numbers of infantry, and as for artillery, there 
is no computing the force. It is everywhere, and probably just 
where it should be. The reports of the artillery are awful. I can 
only compare it to the breaking of a terrific thunder storm, when one 
expects every moment the great drops of rain to follow." 

But, alas! the shower that must follow this is such as the sky 
never weeps, and as for this snowy earth, to-morrow, there will 
not be rain enough in the heavens to wash it white again. 

"Now a tremendous crash breaks forth, a little nearer than 
before ; the fog has not yet lifted from the river, but the sun is 
brilliant and warm. 

" At ten o'clock opens one of the most terrific cannonadings 
mortal ever heard. It is tremendous, and awfully incessant. It 
seems as though the fiery artillery of heaven were all opened upon 
the devoted city on the other side. Never was a scene of such 
grandeur opened to my mind and eyes. 

"It is now twelve o'clock. For an hour and a half there has 
been quite a lull, with only an occasional shot now and then. No 
pontoons are yet up or over the river, but they will soon cross. Just 
where I now sit, on the railroad, a dozen men are busy making 
coffins, a pile of which are completed. Sad spectacle. Before night 
many a poor fellow will want a coffin. 

" I have just had a complete view of the city from a hill. The 
fog and smoke have almost entirely disappeared. The city is on fire 
in six places ; in two the fires seem extensive. I think the tower of 
the Episcopal Church has been shelled off This is the first view^ I 
have had of the town since I returned. It must have been terribly 
shattered by the fire of this morning. I shall soon go over and see 
for myself 

" Now at three, the firing has ceased and no effect is yet appar- 
ent but the burning of the buildings. Now it begins again, but from 
what point I cannot tell, as there are no rebels in sight, and from all 
appearance, might not be five hundred within ten miles of this spot. 

' ' Evening ; and all is still but for the ' retreat ' heard to reverberate 
among those sunset hills. But I hear a shout from the multitude. 
It is caused, I learn, from the fact that one of the bridges is completed, 
and a few of our men have crossed. If so, we may expect a move- 



326 CHRONICLES OF THE 

ment of interest to-morrow. God be praised that we have been 
preserved this day." 

The chief object of the cannonading on this day seems to have 
been to protect the men working- upon the pontoons. According to 
the pubhshed reports, this was found a task too difficult for our 
batteries, the rebel sharpshooters holding their ground defiantly 
among the buildings skirting the river, and even, at times, actually 
driving every man of the pontoniers from his work ; and it was not 
accomplished until the boats were filled with a force of volunteers 
who crossed in the face of the enemy's fire, and charging up into the 
town soon drove them back to the hills. It will be seen from the 
Chaplain's report, that the rebel force at this place was generally 
supposed to be small. Far from being the case was this, so far that 
at any time a force might easily have been spared from it sufficient to 
have made the crossing an impossibility. Little did our men, or their 
brave but unfortunate leader, dream of the snare their terrible enemy 
had set, and which they were so anxious to walk into. 

Burnside's plan of operations on leaving Warrenton, — as detailed 
by himself before the " Committee on the Conduct of the War,"^ — ■ 
was to move rapidly down the river to Fredericksburg, having 
induced the enemy to mass its forces in the vicinity of Gordonsville, 
and maintaining a threatening front on that quarter until the last 
moment. At Fredericksburg he expected to find pontoons and 
every requisite for immediate progress toward Richmond, having 
given timely notice to the Commander-in-Chief at Washington, and 
received the assurance that all necessary orders had been given for 
the accomplisment of these preparations. What then was his surprise 
on reaching that point to find no pontoons ; what his annoyance as 
golden hours and days passed and they did not come, and when 
finally, by devious routes and long, they did arrive, the certain basis 
of his plan was gone; nothing remained but to blind the enemy if 
possible to his real point of attack, and strike him before his lines 
could form. 

Of his forebodings at this time, Burnside himself speaks freely. 
Even his despatches to Halleck were plainly ominous of the hopeless- 
ness of the undertaking. Still, a council, and more than one council, 
of his Generals was in favor of crossing. The die was cast. How 
our army fought ; how they charged those hillsides as if to die there 
were the summit of earthly desire ; how again and again they faced 
those walls of stone, and built ghastly ones of their own bodies where 
the fire was too fierce for anything living to stand before, hath been 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 327 

often told. Hooker said it was, at that time, the fiercest battle of the 
war. 

Our Regiment lay, this night, just within musket range of the 
river, awaiting orders to cross. Nearly the whole of Franklin's grand 
division, destined to form the left wing of next day's line of battle, 
crossed at sunset. Reynolds' corps, of which our division, com- 
manded by Doubleday, formed a part, belonging to the extreme left 
of the grand division. Colonel Rogers was in command of the 
brigade, leaving the regiment in command of the senior Captain, 
Layton. The night was uneventful. 

On the 13th, Saturday, at about eight o'clock, having been in 
line since daylight, the regiment was ordered to take the lead in the 
morning's work, by moving directly to the left, parallel with the main 
position of the enemy, and toward the point where his line formed an 
angle connecting the main line with the river. At the same time a 
steadily increasing din from the right betokened the commencement 
of general hostilities. A ravine was passed on the left, and then the 
regiment paused at a fence which fronted the line, and waited until 
another force, Meredith's brigade, could pass our left and drive out 
the enemy from a good flanking position which he held in the woods 
along the river. 

The artillery of the enemy was now playing upon us with terrific 
energy, and this exposed position gave us little choice of standing 
places. But the brigade on our left soon does its work, and does it 
nobly, and then we mount the fence, and, still in line of battle, again 
move forward. Half through the field and an order overtakes us to 
change front to the right and dislodge a force of the enemy from 
behind a fence upon the Bowling Green road. The order came just 
as our right had almost reached a shallow ravine which cut it 
diagonally, and in the shelter of this the movement was successfully 
made, without the loss of a man, and then upon the run our boys 
charged up the road, reaching it just in time to hasten the disappear- 
ance of the line of flying rebels by a well directed volley in their rear, 
which caused the final disappearance of a few of them and seriously 
demoralized sundry others. 

This gained a position for our batteries, a line of which were 
immediately in position along the road. And here, with hardly a 
change of position, during the remainder of the day, while the 
batteries hurled either way their iron compliments above our heads, 
we lay, part of the time inactive but not uninterested spectators of a 
tragedy in which we were taking a much larger part than was at all 



328 CHRONICLES OF THE 

agreeable iiiuler the circumstances, seeing that part consisted chiefiv 
in dodging the aforesaid comphments, without the privilege mentioned 
by the old jack tar who preferred the Church of England service to 
all others, because he could "jaw back." 

Our regiment on this day was singularly fortunate, lor although 
occupying as exposed a position as any in that part of the field, it 
lost but one man, who was struck in the back of the neck, while 
sitting in the ditch, by a fragment of shell, which passed through his 
body and dropped in his open hands, which were crossed with his 
musket upon his lap. He never moved. A force of the enemy's 
sharpshooters flanked the road upon the left, at long range, and were 
continually sweeping it with their rifles. Gayer Gardner, Sergeant 
of "B" (afterward Lieutenant), was severely wounded by these 
fellows, and several others were hit, with various degrees of damage 
to their under and upper integuments. 

One fellow the boys will never forget He was perched up 
somewhere among the hills with a rifle of vmheard of range. It was 
long before the boys could believe that the shots came from the 
neighborhood of the enemy's batteries. But it was certain that in 
that direction there was no other shelter for him. Tlie fellow must ' 
have whitded down a small columbiad and mounted in with a telescope 
powerful enough to show the town lines on the moon, for no sooner did 
any of our officers give him the faintest show of a mark, then " ping " 
a little joker of a bullet would hum past him, like a June bug on a 
summer night, just as blindly heedless of any obstruction and careless 
of consequences. Not a General with his staff, not a group of field 
or line officers could for a long time enjoy a comfortable reconnoissance 
upon that part of the field. At last one of our " chippies'" went out 
alter him. Chippie disappeared like his namesake chipmunk along 
the fences and hollows, and Mr. Reb. was a marked man. By and 
by there was a sharp, quick report, and that was the last of our 
persecutor. 

Meredith, who had done so well in the morning, had been 
directed to hold his position, parallel with ours and farther to the 
left, until dusk, then to draw back his main force and leave but a 
skirmish line to hold his present position. All clay a rebel battery 
had lain perdu in a hollow before him, and just where the road on 
our left took a turn toward the river. A whole brigade of rebels lay 
beside the guns, but too ],ow to be seen, and the guns were not 
worked, only we knew they were there. This ground was as yet 
unfelt ; we did not know the strength of the supporting force, and 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 329 

one of our officers, with perhaps more valor than discretion, actually 
proposed to take a couple of companies and bring in the pieces ; 
thinking that force sufficient to quiet any objections the custodians of 
said pieces might naturally make. A detail of four companies was 
accordingly made, but happily, before they had gone too far on their 
perilous errand, it occurred to our commanding officer to ask Captain 
Reynolds '■' to pitch a few shells into the hollow, when lo ! up rose a 
mass of men in gray, enough to have eaten the handful who proposed 
to ' ' fetch in the pieces. ' ' Of course they ' ' got back ' ' much relieved, 
no doubt, at being repulsed with so small a loss. 

From some unaccountable reason Meredith did not wait until 
dark, as ordered, but fell back at about six. This was a false move 
on the board and a bad one for us, for now, no longer in check, out 
trundled the howitzers, and in ten minutes their grape and cannister 
were rattling and pattering with fearful uncertainty all around. 

Long after dark, for this road must be held at any cost, those 
awful flutterings in the air above, like myriad winged flocks of 
ominous flight, made our poor fellows hug the closer to their damp 
couches. Luckily, nearly every discharge was too high ; the uneven- 
ness of the ground favored us somewhat, and nearly every man had 
erected his knapsack barricade against the dangerous point, planted 
his head close behind and carefully marking the line of fire, made his 
body and heels exactly correspond thereto. Here, as in most other 
situations, the long men were at a decided disadvantage, and doleful 
were the glances down unwieldy extensions of army blue and cowhide, 
so much in the way, yet not to be disposed of, and as yet entirely 
unavailable as a means of extrication from this embarrassing 
predicament. 

But the fatigues of the day made sleep a necessity, and all but 
the pickets slept ; slept the sleep of the tired soldier to whom danger 
is an accustomed bedfellow. Only once during the night were they 
disturbed, and that was by the arrival of our own Quartermaster with 
rations, and their consequent distribution. 

Thus ended the first day's fight. For the dangers of the night, 
we had only Meredith to thank. He was, in consequence, placed 
under arrest, relieved from command and sent across the river. 

Morning came at last, but only fitful and uncertain attempts 
were made to renew the battle. As if by mutual consent the day was 
one of rest, except for an occasional rattle of small arms along some 

*Chief of Artillery, left grand Division. 



330 CHRONICLES OF THE 

skirmish line, or the roar of single discharges of cannon, followed by 
the rush, or screech, or flutter of the shell — according to the make of 
the missile — and its terminating explosion. The general opinion was 
that we were to advance. We knew that our army on the right and 
center had been badly used, and suffered terrible loss, but no one yet 
seemed willing to admit the failure. 

The day was delightfully sunny and warm, although hazy. 
Several times a flag of truce came over from the enemy's lines, and 
while hostilities were thus ceremoniously suspended upon that part 
of the field, the men of the two armies met in neighborly intercourse 
between the lines, no advantage being taken on either side, but to 
exchange their sentiments relative to the war — all agreeing in wishing 
it were over — and by our boys in exchanging coffee and rations for 
whiskey and tobacco, a barter the rebs always proposed and eagerly 
consummated. Our boys asked after the man with the telescope 
rifle. "Oh! he's dead, some one of your fellows fetched him 
yesterday." So here was Chippie's shot accounted far, and probably 
he never expended one to better purpose. 

So night came again. It was very dark, and after the c^uiet of 
the day the stillness and gloom of night were more impressi\e and 
melancholy. The chief duty of the day had been the interment of 
our dead, all over the field, those who had been instantly killed or 
had died under primary operations in the Surgeon's hands. The 
wounded had been sent in ambulances across the river as fast as they 
could be got to the rear. Again, during this night, our position was 
swept by the enemy's artillery, but our regiment lost no men, 
although all voted it a " hot place," and the grape shot did fall thick 
and fast. 

Monday morning came, and again the skirmishers began their 
intermittent fusilacle, again the artillery sent its deadly reports 
echoing along hill and hollow, and the rush and wail of deadly shot 
and shell proclaimed the renewal of this awful strife. This day, all 
along the line the dreadful carnage on the right and center, and their 
failure to carry any of the strongholds opposed to them, became full}' 
known. Soldiers are quick at seeing and estimating the advantage 
or disacivantage of any position, and our veterans were not slow in 
comprehending this one. Fully alive to the danger of defeat, and the 
almost impossibility of recrossing the river with a victorious army in 
our rear, they waited patiently to know what their leaders would 
have. Meanwhile an unflinching front must be kept, and they kept 
it. It might be that our comparatively fresh troops on the left could 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 33I 

carry the less formidable positions in their front, and by flanking the 
enemy's stronghold, drive him from it. 

Night came, and again our boys lay on their arms. The general 
impression was that the morning would see an advance. But at 
about nine o'clock word was passed quietly along the line to fall 
back, leaving a slight picket line, and prepare to recross the river. 

Noiselessly as a troop of ghosts, so noiselessly that the enemy's 
pickets, only a few hundred yards away, never suspected that our 
shattered columns were silently filching the crown of their hard won 
triumph — grimly and sullenly but still wary and watchful, our 
decimated regiments recrossed the almost fatal river, the pickets were 
drawn in, the planking taken up, pontoons unmoored, and all that 
remained on the other side to confront the victor, were the new made 
graves where thousands slept their last long sleep under the 
bloody sod. 




332 CHRONIC). KS OF THE 



CHAPTER XX 



Our Army retires to tlie Potomac. — New Year's in Camp. — We move to Acquia Creek. — ."Vre 
Transferred to the Command of General Patrick, Provost Marshal General.— Winter 
Quarters. — New Duties. — Preparing to Muster out — Homeward Boutid. 



/Y ND SO at length our active part in the last campaign of sixty- 
A\ two was ended, and the veterans of our much enduring little 
army were now to prepare for another winter before Washington, 
instead of quartering in Richmond as they had hoped. Discipline 
never relaxed its hold, nor did the soldiers manifest any ill feeling or 
disheartenment in any way or manner, except in the legitimate and 
perfectly safe one of grumbling. They grumbled in camp and on 
the march, when rations were served, and when they had to go 
hungry, at the frost and at the mud ; in fact they grumbled much 
of the time, and but for this safety valve, the effects of the late disa.ster 
might have been serious to the morale of the whole army. 

Even our patient Chaplain, slow to anger and infinitely trustful 
ot the Providence over us, was tempted into divers and sundry 
expressions of dissatisfaction, if not of absolute impatience at the 
mismanagements, delays and waste of the country's means and men. 

But this petulance did not manifest itself immediately after their 
return from the disastrous field of Fredericksburg. They were too 
grateful for the escape from annihilation they had so barely made. 
It was indeed wonderful, and at first nearly all other feeling was 
merged in one of thankfulness. The Chaplain's journal will better 
describe the days following, than any other record I can find. 

Tuesday, December i6th. — " As I anticipated, a retreat had 
been forced upon us. Last night, in most complete order, the troops 
and trains recrossed the river. All this was done with the rebels 
expecting the move. Why they did not scathe us is a wonder. The 
morning is bright and clear, though the rain of the night was severe. 
Several whizzing balls passed my head just before I left the trains, a 
mile or more from the river. The rebels are shelling us with a good 
deal of spirit, and with an aim to scare us. I am in doubt as to what 
will be done to-day. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENI'. 333 

"The Twenty-First has returned to camp from one of the most 
awful exposures it has ever had, and has lost but one man,* and had 
three wounded. This is providential indeed. At present we lie in a 
pine wood. The evening is one of rest with us all. I write this in 
the Colonel's tent, in front of the fire ; the Colonel, lying on his bed, 
is half asleep, and no doubt thinking of his home and friends. Now 
he speaks, and what says he ? 'I could go into this battle with more 
choice if I were assvu'ed my wife and children were in a condition to 
live without me. ' 

" Now most of our veterans have turned in, and without doubt 
are thanking God that they have been spared from the fierce dangers 
to which they have been exposed. 

Wednesday, December 17th. — "After the wear and danger of 
days, our boys slept well, and this morning appear as cheerful as 
ever. It is remarkable how soon the soldier recovers himself from 
the fatigue of days and weeks. Sleep and care are good restoratives. 

"At ten o'clock we moved nearer to the banks of the river, 
within full view ot the rebels on the other side. I am surprised that 
we are thrown in such an exposed situation. Had they a mind they 
could shell us from where we lie in thirty minutes. The morning is 
bright and clear, but attended with a bracing cold North wind. The 
view of the other side is here the finest I have seen. Every object 
appears as distinct as though it were only a few rods distant. 

Thursday, i8th. — "No movements, and no news. 

Saturday, 20th. — "At nine o'clock we moved from the 
Rappahannock, and marched for the Potomac ; distant, ten miles. 
Our present location is about one mile from the river, near a place 
called Hanes' Landing. We are on the extreme left and our line 
of battle now extends more than twenty miles. The day has been 
very cold, more intensely so than on any march we have ever had. 
I never heard so much complaining ; at times it seemed that I must 
freeze my face and ears. The march was well accomplished, with 
some delays, however. Having no horse I was compelled to walk. 

' ' A severe night is before us officers, for the teams have not and 
will not come up, and being so cold, and not having the first thing to 
shelter me, I know not what to do. What a life for us all to lead. 
There is a good deal of complaining. 

' ' We were amused a good deal during the evening, with a high 
cedar tree which we were burning. Its branches were entangled with 

*Corporal Ouintoii, of Company " I." 



334 CHRONICLES OF THE 

trees around. I said it would not tumble over on us, while the 
Colonel contended that it might. It finally settled down straight. 

Sunday, December 21st. — "I should be thankful, and will, that 
this present day finds me living and in health ; and may the God of 
all grace grant me mercy and peace this day. The night was one 
of great wakefulness and uneasiness with me. The teams did not 
come up, so I had no blanket. It was very cold, and I stretched 
myself before a fire and sought slumber, but none came, for I could 
not save myself from shivering with the cold. Such a life is totally 
unfit for me. I now, more than ever, feel assured I can do these 
boys no spiritual good ; a good example is all I can set. Situated as 
we are, expecting any minute to move, and the boys eager to make 
themselves comfortable, it is difficult to think of devotion. Our 
Sabbaths are much like other days ; even, I have sometimes thought, 
more labor is meted out to the boys on that day than on any other. 

' ' Since our defeat at Fredericksburg, my confidence in the 
present management of this war has been considerably shaken. Our 
Generals are not the right men. They are jealous of each other, and 
I verily believe some would rather see a battle lost than have another 
gain it. Such rascals ought to be put out of the service and disgraced 
forever before the American people. Hereafter, when most of them 
are known, I hope it will be only to disgrace them still more. 

Tuesday, December 23d. — "Marched this day four miles, still 
larther up the Potomac, to near Pratt's Landing, and in full sight of 
the river. The day is very beautiful. Our camp is on a hill side, 
with a fine jM-ospect. Now appearances indicate that we shall have 
winter quarters, or an approach to such a luxury. 

Christmas, 1862. — " The day has been charming, conforming in 
this respect, most beautifully with the character of the scenery here. 

" Christmas, the birthday of our Lord and Saviour, the world's 
Redeemer. 

" With us, it has been attended with nothing unusual. The bt)ys 
have worked in logging up their tents on the hill-side. I made my 
Christmas dinner of bean soup, with hard-tack crumbled into it, and 
a piece of quite home-made pie. This," says the good Chaplain, lest 
he should seem unreasonably dainty, "was good enough, and was 
partaken with a relish. Colonel Rogers and myself, after our repast, 
walked out and took a view of the rebel force not far from our camp, 
and the beautiful prospect of the landscape and river. Such a sight 
is seldom seen in our country. 

"The evening was spent with the boys in their tents, and in 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 335 

pleasant conversation with them. Thus ends another Christmas in 
the army." 

The regiment lay at this place until the ninth of January, when it 
moved to Acquia Creek, in compliance with the following; order : 

Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp near Falmouth, Va., 

January 6tli, 1S63. 

Special Orders No. 6. 

At the mutual request of the Brigader Generals concerned, the 21st, 23d, 35th 
and 80th (20th Militia) Regiments, of New York State Volunteers, will be trans- 
ferred from the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, to the command of the Provost 
Marshal General of the Army of the Potomac, and the 22d, 29th, 30th and 31st New 
Jersey Volunteers, the 137th Pennsylvania and 147th New York Volunteers, now on 
duty with the Provost Marshal Cieneral, will be transferred to the 3d Brigade, 1st 
division, ist Corps, Brigader General Paul commanding. 

By command of Major General Burnside. 

EDWARD McNEIL, 
Captain and A. A. General. 

Official : 

H. P. TAYLOR, 
Lieutenant and A. A. General. 

The following is from a Buffalo paper of about this date : 

From the Twenty-First Regiment. — The Twenty-First Regiment, as we 
learn from Chaplain Robie, is now, with the brigade attached, ordered on detached 
service and is acting, in fact, in the honorable capacity of Provost Guard of the 
Army of the Potomac. It is stationed at Acquia Creek. The brigade, consisting 
of six regiments, is in command of Colonel Rogers. We are indebted to Adjutant 
Gail of the Twenty-First for a copy of the following order, in which Brigader General 
Paul takes his farewell of the brigade : 

Headquarters 30 Brigade, ist Division ist A. C. 
Near Belle Plain, January 8th, 1863. 

General Orders No. 4. 

The order which separates the old and well tried regiments of this brigade 
from the command of the undersigned, was this morning received. And although 
scarcely three months have elapsed since he was assigned to the command, yet the 
ties which have been formed, will, he trusts, bind them together forever. 

With fervent wishes for the prosperity and happiness of all the officers and 
soldiers of the old war-worn brigade, he bids them all an affectionate farewell. 

G. R. PAUL, 
j5r?V. Gen. Vols. Commanding'. 



336 CHRONICLES OF THE 

We learn also that Captain P. C. Doyle, of the Twenty-First, has been 
appointed Colonel Rogers' Assistant Adjutant General. The following order which 
we are permitted to publish, pays this officer a deserved compliment : 

Headquarters ist Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, 
January 9th, 1863. 

Special Orders No. 7. 

Captain Peter C. Doyle, with his company, is relieved from duty as Provost 
Marshal and Guard, and will at once report to the headquarters of his regiment. 

The General commanding takes this opportunity to tender his thanks to Captain 
Doyle and his company for the very efficient manner in which they have performed 
their duties while at these headquarters. 

By command of Major-General Reynolds. 

C. KINGSLEY, Jr., 

A. A. G. 

The following letter is from the same source. The writer seems 
to have labored under a slight mistake as to the material exchanged. 

The Twenty-First. — In a letter from a member of the Twenty-First Regi- 
ment, dated Acquia Creek, Jan. loth, and published in the Syracuse Courier, we find 
the following paragraph : 

" I suppose you have heard of our brigade being taken from the field. The 
war-worn brigade is almost too small for any service, and we are doing provost duty 
at Acquia Creek; we are on guard every other day, and it is pretty tough on us, but 
it is better than to be in the field. We are back again with our old fighting General 
Patrick. He gave six full regiments for our four decimated ones, regarding the 
regulars as almost worthless compared with his old brigade. He placed the fullest 
confidence in his old command, and well he might, for they have fought seven 
battles under him, and came out of each with thinned but unbroken ranks." 

% 

The months following, and up to the time of their final release 
from service, were passed by the boys in multifarious employment, 
connected with the responsible and arduous duty to which they had 
been assigned. The time did not pass uneventfully, but only an eye 
witness could describe the thousand experiences of camp life, which 
are often among the pleasantest the soldier has to look back upon. 
So we will leave those to be the sole passport of their participants, 
and give place to the following extract from a description of a visit by 
some Buffalonian, whose name we have not, to the Army of the 
Potomac, which was published in the Express of March 9th, 1863 : 

The Twenty-First Regiment. — Reaching Acquia Creek in the afternoon of 
Tuesday, the 24th ult., on board the government steamer John Brooks, we stepped 
ashore in the line of passengers, filed across the gang-plank between blue coated 
guards, and thrust our " pass " into the hands of a pleasant faced but peremptory 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 337 

inspecting officer stationed in the path, too hurried to recognize the familiarity of the 
pleasant face until we found ourselves arrested with a friendly greeting, and welcomed 
by a voice that we remembered well, but could not for a moment identify with our 
old friend of the Twenty-First, Captain Byron Schermerhorn. Luxurant whiskers, 
and a robust military bronzing of the complexion, have so disguised the Captain's 
countenance that he might pass, we think, incognito, for a time at least, in almost 
any company of the friends who have not seen him within the year. 

Stepping aside, after a hasty salutation, to permit our fellow passengers to 
satisfy Captain Schermerhorn as to the legitimate authorization of their visit to the 
sacred soil, we were confronted in the next instant by another inspecting officer in 
the person of Captain Robert Gardner, whom we found it easy to convince, by the 
demonstration of a cordial hand-shake, that our limited luggage contained nothing 
contraband of war or dangerous to the morale of the army. A few moments later, 
the scrutinizing duties of Captain Schermerhorn and Gardner having been completed, 
we were escorted by them to headquarters, and found ourselves in the midst of a 
whole host of old Buffalo friends, and fairly overwhelmed with hospitable greetings. 
How generously we were entertained, and how pleasantly we spent the evening in 
conversation with Colonel Rogers,' Chaplain Robie, Chaplain Cook, of the 94th — 
who chanced to be a guest of the regiment — and most of the officers, who gathered 
into headquarters from various duties of the day, it would be quite impossible to 
describe. 

The scene of this evening sociable was not, as may be imagined, a narrow 
apartment of canvas, but one among a considerable metropolis of rude but substantial 
edifices, which Uncle Samuel has called into existance at Acquia Landing since 
making it the base of supplies for his grand Army of the Potomac. Over this 
extemporized city Colonel Rogers presides with autocratic authority, as commander 
of the post, and of the brigade there stationed on provost guard and patrol duty. 
Most of the officers of the Twenty- First are detached from the regiment, and imme- 
diately associated with the Colonel Commandant in various provost capacities. 
Captain Gardner has the general superintendence of goods passing through the 
warehouses tft the Landing, and exercises strict vigilance in detecting and confiscating 
everything of a contraband nature — especially whiskey. Captain Wheeler has the 
charge of all prisoners. Captain Schermerhorn, Lieutenant Beebee, and Lieutenant 
Govvans, have the inspection of passes. Captain Adams has the general charge of 
guard duty. Captain Clinton is Acting Commissary of Subsistence, and Acting 
Brigade Quartermaster. Captain Doyle is Acting Assistant Adjutant General to 
Colonel Rogers. Major Lee is detached as Inspector General of Robinson's Brigade. 
Captain Myers is detached on special police duty at Cooksville, nine miles up the 
river, looking after deserters, etc. Captain Vallier is in command of the police boat 
Osceola. Lieutenant Cook has command of a patrol guard. Lieutenant McMurray 
commands a guard attending the trains on the railroad to Falmouth, and Lieutenant 
McLeish is in charge of a prison ship anchored opposite the Landing in the Potomac. 

All these duties, it will be remarked, are of a somewhat pleasanter nature than 
those of regimental officers in camp. The quarters enjoyed at the Landing, moreover, 
are superior in comfort to the tented lodgings of the army in front, while the facilities 
for obtaining extra supplies give our fortunate soldiers of the Twenty-First an 
enviable advantage over the majority of their companions in arms. Their good 



338 CHRONICLES OF THE 

fortune has been well earned by the hardest services and the sternest experiences of 
war, and we were rejoiced to find them so happily circumstanced. During the 
evening of our visit, we were invited to partake of a supper, with champagne and 
other vinous accompaniments, given by several of the officers on duty at the Landing 
to the officers of the government transport steamer Wilson Small, about to be with- 
drawn from the route between Acquia Creek and Washington. The occasion was a 
delightful one, and we enjoyed its festivities heartily ; but our chief pleasure was in 
witnessing the amenity of a soldier's life that has heretofore been so full of hardship 
and peril and suffering. 

The camp of the regiment is situated about a mile back from the landing, and 
we unfortunately had not time to visit it. We learned that its situation was a 
comfortable one, and that the health of the regiment was excellent, only ten being, 
at present, on the sick list in the camp hospital. Surgeon Johnson was highly spoken 
of for his assiduous devotion to the sanitary interests of the men under his care. 
The aggregate strength of the regiment, including officers, is now only 495, present 
and absent; reported for duty, 351 ; on extra or daily duty, 34. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Sternberg is in command. 

There are few officers immediately with the regiment, a majority being detached 
on special duties, as related above. To this fact we must undoubtedly attribute the 
unfortunate show which, since our return, we have been surprised to see the Twenty- 
First make in the inspection report from General Hooker's headquarters. So many 
officers having been withdrawn from the care and supervision of the regiment for 
several weeks, we can believe that it may have deteriorated in appeai-ance ; but that 
it has really lost discipline or efficiency, to any extent, we do not credit. Our 
impression, from all that we saw and heard, was decidedly to the contrary.* 

The main topic of conversation in the Twenty-First, is the expected return 
home next May. All are anticipating the expiration of the two years' term of service 
with an eargerness which counts the very hours. It is supposed that the term must 
measure from the date at wliich the regiment was sworn into the service of the State, 
and this, we believe, will bring its expiration about the tenth of May. Two months 



*The Twenty-First Regiment. — We are gratified to learn by the following extract from a 
letter v/ritten by an officer in the Twenty-First Regiment and published in the Courier, that the 
opinion we expressed on Monday with reference to the charges against that gallant corps, contained 
in General Order No. 18, was well founded, and that the first, and as the stern trials of battles and 
privations have proved, noble contribution of our city to the army ot the Union, will return home 
with its brilliant and heroically won fame undimmed by even a suspicion or rebuke : 

" Nothing of importance is occurring here, and you owe this letter to the late General Order 
No. 18, which you have probably seen in the papers ere this, which takes from the Twenty-First, 
with several other regiments, the furlough privilege, and classes us among the undisciplined, and I 
suppose, demoralized regiments. 

" The facts of the inspection I will briefly state as they occurred : Our whole regiment (with 
the exception of about one-third), who were off in different places, guarding vessels, steamers, 
catching deserters in Maryland, etc., etc., had Just come off guard, having been up all night, and 
had gone up to camp in the rain, and also had just moved camp into a mud-puddle. We were 
without bunks, floors, or anything convenient, when the order came for inspection in an hour. 

" It had been getting cold during the morning, and the ground was quite frozen when the 
inspection took place. The men having no stoves or fires in their tents, and no time or convenience 
for cleaning, went on inspection as they were — quite muddy, The muskets having been out the 
night previous, did not look extraordinary well. The Inspector, a lieutenant on General Hooker's 
staff, was told the circumstances, but it seems did not give us the proper benefit of them. The 23d) 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 339 

hence, therefore, the citizens of Buffalo may prepare for the welcome and reception 
of its first-born regiment, and we trust they will not stint the honors due to men who 
bring the attestation of their valor and heroic deeds in a flag fifty-two times torn by 
shot and shell. 

And now that their time of service had so nearly expired, when 
they were so soon to bid a final farewell to the scenes which had been 
their every-day life for so long, to lay aside the grim implements of 
war and return to their firesides, and for an interval, at least, enjoy 
the rest and security they had so bravely purchased, our battle worn 
fellows began to give way to that intense yearning they had repressed 
so long. They knew that their parents, their wives and their little 
ones, were counting the days that must pass from between them and 
their loved ones. 

With all this feeling in his heart, and with the pardonable pride 
of a veteran wlio knows the deservings of himself and comrades, 
Chaplain Robie thus writes, under date of March 14th : 

" On the first of May next, unless Government proves itself treach- 
erous, which is improbable, we, ofiicers and men of the glorious old 
Twenty-First, will march up Main street and wait the final order of 
our gallant Colonel — ' Parade is finally dismissed / ' The two years 
for which we enlisted in the State will then have expired, and should 
no more inroads be made in oiu" ranks, be assured you will look upon 
happier faces than ever brightened in your eyes before. Not because 
we have lost interest in country, but because we have not forgotten 
the charms of home, the dear faces and hearts of our loved ones. 
Already the reiiiaining days are counted by the boys. Some have 
gone so f»r as to calculate the hours and minutes which are to pass. 
In fact, a soldier met me yesterday, and said, ' Chaplain, only so 
many weeks, days, hours and minutes are to pass before we shall go 



a most excellent regiment, and the 35th N. Y. V., also of our brigade, were caught in the same way, 
and are included in the unjust and unmerited reproof. The 20th militia of our brigade, and the 
poorest regiment in our brigade or division, had a little more time to prepare, and were not 
mentioned. 

" The officers and men feel terribly about it, and all who know us, and who are on duty here, 
know it is not deserved. We have always had a most excellent reputation for drill, discipline, 
cleanliness and neatness; and now, just on the eve of leaving the service, to have the public, 
undeserved and scorching criticism passed upon us, is mortifying. Those, however, who know us, 
know the injustice of the report, and General Patrick, Colonel Rogers, and other Colonels, have 
demanded another inspection to take place immediately. You may rest assured that although doing 
more work and duty than any brigade in the Army of the Potomac at the present time, and although 
upon guard every other day from 9 A. M. in the morning till 9 A. M. next morning, with but little 
time to prepare or to have inspection, we can still sustain the reputation always, and still possessed 
as ' Patrick's old and gallant veterans," or as General Paul expressed it, the ' noble old war-worn 
brigade.' " 



340 CHRONICLES OF THE 

home.' Home, with men — soldiers who have been so long absent, 
who have endured and suffered so much, is dearer, more charming 
than you can imagine. But some — many — who left with us are not 
charmed with these delightful prospects. No sweet and joyous 
anticipations now thrill their bosoms. They started with us, hopeful, 
bra^■e, patriotic. They were our companions in the march and in 
the tight. With firm and undaunted step and spirit, they met the 
terrible duty of the warrior. But now they are not with us ! The 
bugle sounds, but they heed not its tones. Gone home — gone to 
their long, last homes ! Peace to their ashes ! Their memories will 
ever be precious to us who were their associates and comrades. ' ' 

So the long days wore on and were gone ; and the time came 
when our sadly thinned line formed for its last evening parade on the 
hither border of the land its blood had so freely flowed to save. It 
was like a dream, a blissful, unreal dream, from which one dreads, 
yet expects, to wake, when at last they found themslves once more 
faced toward ho7ne ! 

They are coming, they are coming. 

Hear the fifing and the drumming; 
They have fought their last battle and the end is here at hand : 

And each day they're drawing nearer, 

And each night their fires are clearer, 
And the sound of their feet rings through all the happy land ! 

And the mother cannot sleep — 

All the night her watch she'll keep. 
For the day hath heard their tramping and the night wind brings it on ; 

She can hardly weep, for joy 

That they're bringing home her boy ; 
Her brave, her noble boy, and his marching all is done ! 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 34I 



CHAPTER XXI 



The Excitement in Buffalo. — Action of the Common Council. — A vote of Thanks. — The Journey 
Home. — Preparations far the Reception. — Order of the Procession. — Arrival of the Train. — 
The Tumult of Welcome. — Our Progress through the Streets. — Honors to Lieutenant 
Mulligan. ^Mr. Beckwith's Speech. — Colonel Rogers's Reply. — Return of the Old Flag to 
the Central School by the Colonel. — Response by Miss Julia E. Paddock. — The Collation. 



HAVING no words of my own in which to describe the events of 
this day, dearest to the memory of every soldier wlio 
received a part in its honors, I cut the following selections from the 
reports made by David Gray and Thomas Kean, of the Courier, and 
J. N. Larned and Charles Stow, of the Express. 

RETURN AND RECEPTION OF THE TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 

The brightest and most notable day in all our local history, stands eclipsed by 
the glory that haloed the event of yesterday. It seemed as if the excitement which 
has stirred the Queen City not seldom of late, when she has sent her sons to danger 
or received them from death, had its reaction yesterday, in the tumultuous joy with 
which she welcomed back, from its two years of warfare, the noble remnant of the 
Twenty-First Regiment. We can remember no occasion in which the heart of the 
people so abandoned itself to the spirit of the time, and with such spontaneity, or so 
grandly gave vent to its emotion. And this for the simple reason, that never has the 
city been called upon to celebrate an event so truly impressive and moving. 

A special meeting of the Common Council was called at ten and a half o'clock, 
at which the following preamble and resolutions, offered by Alderman Dubois, were 
unanimously adopted : 

Whereas, The Twenty-First Regiment of N. Y. S. Volunteers, recruited mainly 
in this city and county, has completed its term of service, and is this day to return to 
be mustered out ; and 

Whereas, The citizens of this city have reason to be proud of the regiment; 
therefore, 

Resolved, That this Council hereby tender its thanks to the officers and men of 
the regiment, for their devotion to the cause of the Union, the Constitution and the 
enforcement of the laws ; for their brave and heroic conduct in the field ; for their 
sacrifices on behalf of the cause of nationality, unity and national life. 

Resolved, That while deploring the absence from the ranks of those who have 
lost their lives in battle, or have died in hospitals, we, as the representatives of the 
municipal government of the city, do cordially join in the joy of our citizens in the 



342 CHRONICLES OF THE 

cordial welcome to the surviving members of the regiment, emphasizing the assurance 
that, whether they resume their places as citizens of a State that has never faltered in 
the support of the Government, or again take up arms to aid in suppressing the 
rebellion and restoring the Union " as it was," they have earned the lasting respect 
and esteem of all patriotic men. 

Resolved, That this Council, as a token of their regard to men who have 
periled their lives in defence of constitutional liberty, do now adjourn, for the purpose 
of taking part in the public exercises which a grateful people have improvised to 
show, in some degree, their appreciation of gallantry in the field and uniform soldier- 
like deportment. 

THE JOURNEY HOME. 

The Twenty-First, as is already known, started from Washington on Saturday, 
eleven days in advance of the expiration of its legal term of service. About noon on 
Saturday it reached Williamsport. Colonel Rogers had telegraphed in advance to 
have some refreshments provided. The telegraph was read in the several churches, 
and the people rose en masse to prepare for the arrival of the returning soldiers. A 
bountiful collation was set at the depot, and the Regiment, after receiving the most 
enthusiastic demonstrations at the hands of the kind-hearted and patriotic Williams- 
porters, came on its way rejoicing. About fifty of the discharged members of the 
Twenty-First, left here on Saturday night for Elmira, to extend a foretaste of welcome 
to their old brothers in arms, and these, with a number of other citizens, were duly 
on hand when the train came in at six o'clock, Sunday night. The reception there 
is described as having been most enthusiastic. The people turned out in such crowds 
that it was difficult for the Regiment to march to the Brainard House, where it had 
quarters for the night.* The ex-members of the Regiment, many of them still 
suffering from the effects of wounds received in the service, wore a badge, including 
a small ambrotype of Colonel Rogers, and bearing the motto, " Welcome Home, 
Old Comrades ! " 

In the morning the journey homeward was resumed, and all along the road, 
crowds were at the depots to welcome the veterans with cheers and other testimonials 
of their gratification. At Le Roy, especially, the country seemed to be on fire with 
excitement, and a salute of artillery was fired as our brave men came into the depot. 
The train was delayed somewhat, on account of a heated wheel, so that it was five 
o'clock, instead of three, P. M., before the expectant multitude at the New York 
& Erie depot, gave its initiative shout of welcome. 

PREPARATIONS FOR THE RECEPTION. 

With yesterday morning began the most active preparation for the event of the 
afternoon. Liberal contributions of eatables were sent in to the Arsenal ; the 
committees of ladies and gentlemen were busily at work with their several duties ; 
flags were soon floating over every other building in the city, as well as from the 
throng of shipping in the harbor, and the decoration of Main street began. The 
latter feature was one of the noticeable things of the day. Standing at any point on 

*A mistake. The officers, some of them, quartered at this house but the Regiment was 
marched out to its old barracks, which were yet standing, and there passed the last night of its 
experience as a command, in reminiscence, upon the spot which saw it first. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 343 

Main street, the effect was singularly beautiful. Several of the largest blocks were 
tastefully ornamented with flags and bunting ; the fronts of Hamlin & Mendsen's, 
Sherman & Barnes', and Howard & Whitcomb's establishments being especially 
ornate. The Weed Block was elegantly festooned, also, as were the stores of M. 
H. Birge & Co., Blodgett & Bradford, and many others. The mottoes, " Welcome 
Twenty-First ! " "Welcome Home!" and similar expressions of the universal 
feeling, were also plenteously displayed. Besides these, there were flags of every 
size, — the red, white and blue in every form, — fluttering from nearly every window 
up and down the street, the whole, lighted up by the May sunshine, making a coup 
cPaeil we have never seen surpassed in the city. 

THE PROCESSION. 

In the afternoon the city put on its fullest holiday attire. Work was suspended ; 
the stores closed, or kept open only for the accommodation of spectators; every 
available window along the route of the procession was filled, and the sidewalks 
were crowded from Main street to the Square. Between one and two o'clock, the 
various organizations began to form at their appointed stations in the vicinity of Niagara 
Square. At half-past two o'clock the line was formed, and started up Niagara to 
Main, down Main to Swan, along Swan to Chicago, down Chicago to Exchange, 
up Exchange, till the right had reached Main street, at which time the left or rear 
rested at the depot. From the depot to Main, accordingly, was the length of the 
cortege. f 

AT HOME. 

At five o'clock, — railroad time, — as the train appeared far down the tracks, the 
vast crowd cheei-ed lustly. The artillerists began firing, and amid the long familiar 
booming of cannon, and the welcome cheers of old friends, the train came to a stop, 
and the veterans were once more at home. No words can convey an adequate 
impression of the tumult of joy that swept through the bosoms of both the welcomers 
and welcomed. It broke forth in shouts from ten thousand throats, and mingled the 
hoarse cheers of strong men, with the voices of women and children. The procession 
had drawn up on Exchange street, and was faced southward, awaiting the formation 



f The column was composed in the following order : 

Marshal of the day, Col. H. G. Thomas ; assistants, Lieut. Col. Alberger and Capt. Canfield. 

Miller's Band — 18 instruments. 

Union Continentals — commanded by Hon. Millard Fillmore. 

The Tigers — Capt. W. T. Wardwell. 

A squad of the Sprague Light Cavalry, on foot. 

Fire Department — Chief Engineer, T. B. French, and assistants John T. Spaulding and 
Jacob Kimberly, Jr 

Hook and Ladder No. i — Walter Savits, Foreman, and 31 men. 

Taylor Hose No. i — J. B. Sage, Foreman, and 25 men. 

Perkins' Band from Rochester — a very fine Band of 15 instruments — preceding Eagle Hose 
No. 2 — H. H. Clapp, Foreman, with 38 men. The Hose Carriage bore the following inscription, 
"Our Band of Heroes is Unbroken ! " This company sent 8 members with the Twenty-First, all 
of whom are living. 

National Drum Corps. 

Neptune Hose No. 5 — W. S. Sage, Foreman, and 25 men. Their pretty blue Hose Cart was 
tastefully decorated with garlands of flowers, and a beautiful silk flag. 

Niagara Hose No. 7 — Andrew Cable, Foreman, and 29 men. The cart bore the inscription, 
" Welcome to the Twenty-First ! " 



344 CHRONICLES OF THE 

of the Twenty-First, which Regiment formed in the depot, in a marvelously 
brief time, and directly the sound of martial music proclaimed to the expectant host 
that the veterans were in motion. 

The bronzed heroes marched steadily out, and although, doubtless, yearning to 
clasp friends and loved ones to their hearts, no swerving or faltering in the regularity 
of the march was discernible, and as firmly as if going into battle the column moved 
up Exchange street, the military presenting arms and the civic societies and people 
cheering tumultuously. Such wild enthusiasm was never before witnessed in Buffalo. 
If anything could have added to the general gratification, it was the splendid appear- 
ance of the Twenty- First, from Colonel Rogers to the last man in the ranks. They 
looked bronzed and travel-stained, yet erect, and strong, and stern. The old battle 
flag was borne proudly, and all eyes looked gratitude and pride as they turned toward 
its tattered and bullet-torn folds. The eagle, that once adorned the staff, was gone — 
shot away at Bull Run. Many a one looked vainly for those " whose bodies lie 
buried in Virginian graves," yet a feeling of joy overtopped all other emotions, and 
it was the pride and pomp of war, as well as devout gratitude, that animated all 
hearts. 

When the Twenty-First had reached the head of the column, it halted, and 
the procession faced to the right, and marched past the Twenty-First, again greeting 
it with every evidence of welcome. The Twenty-First then fell in at the rear, and 
the procession took up its line of march, proceeding up Main to Court, down Court 
to Delaware, up Delaware to Johnson Park, around the Park, up Delaware to 
Tupper, through Tupper to Main, down Main to Clinton, through Clinton to Wash- 
ington, up Washington and down Batavia street to the Arsenal. 

All along the route, every available space in the street, doors, windows and 
yards, was crowded with people endeavoring to express, in every conceivable manner, 
their joy at the return of the Regiment; cheers that had a taste of tears, and silent 
gestures of welcome, greeted the troops at every point. The eye met, everywhere, 
banners and flags and colored festoons, as the colunm proceed up Main street. 
Probably so large a concourse of people never before assembled upon any occasion 

Hydraulic Engine No. 9 — John Broder, Foreman, and 48 men. 

Columbia Hose No. 11, with Hose Cart — H. O. Dee, Foreman, and 40 men. 

Steamer C. J. Wells, drawn by four white horses, and the machine decorated with evergreens 
and flags. 

Steamers Niagara, Seneca, Huron and Perry, decorated with flags. 

Eight carriages, containing the Mayor, Common Council and invited guests. 

American Express Co.'s wagon, containing Teachers of Public Schools, and drawn by six 
horses. 

Sangerbund Society — 50 members — Ernest Besser, President. 

Two vans, each drawn by four white horses, and containing 34 young ladies of the Central 
School, dressed in red, white and blue, representing the entire Union of States. 

Sixty-Fifth Regimental Band. 

Sixty-Fifth Regiment — Col. Jacob Krettner — 500 men in platoons as follows : Cavalry Co — 
Capt. J. Kann ; Co. "B" — Lieut. Graff commanding ; Co. "F" — Capt. Irlbacker; Co. "D" — 
Capt. Geyer ; Co. "A" — Capt. Sieber ; Co. "E" — Capt. Becker; Co. "G" — Lieut. Retel com- 
manding; Co. "R" — Capt. Scheaffer ; Artillery — Capt. Philip Houck — with drawn sabers; 
Lansing Zouaves — Capt. W. H. Wells. 

Seventy-Fourth Regiment — Col. W. A. Fox — 300 men. Cavalry Co — Capt. A. Sloan ; Drum 
Corps; Co. "C" — Capt. J. U. Wayland ; Co. "B" — Lieut. G. A. Torrance; Co. " G" — Capt. 
Kester; Co. " E" — Capt. Clingen ; Co. " A" — Lieut. J. C. Nagel ; Co. " D" — Lieut. Baker; Co. 
" F " — Capt. H. Sloan. 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 345 

in this city, nor was there ever such enthusiasm, patriotism and gratitude offered, or 
more worthily bestowed than yesterday. 

The most affecting scene of all — the most touching we ever witnessed — was 
that when, as the head of the procession turned into Johnson Place to move around 
the Park, Lieutenant J. S. Mulligan was brought out upon the balcony of his residence 
to give his welcome to his old comrades, from whom he was separated after the 
second battle of Bull Run, by severe wounds. As the long cortege passed by, 
greeting the gallant young soldier with silent salutes and hearty cheers, his emotion 
was profound, but his eyes eagerly looked for the old flag and the familiar forms of 
his old associates. When the Twenty-First had passed, saluting as it went, his 
emotion overcame him, and his bowed head was the best evidence how the compli- 
ment had touched him. 

There was no lack of incidents of a poetic and pathetic character. Many of 
the brave fellows received bouquets of flowers from fair women, whose eyes had shed 
a heavenly dew upon the blossoms : no doubt the aroma of those flowers was grateful 
to the weary veterans. Women marched hand in hand with their restored husbands 
and sons, and wept with overpowering joy, as they had scarcely wept with grief when 
they sent them forth to battle for the Union. 

THE WELCOME AT THE ARSENAL. 

The admirable order which characterized the whole difficult affair, was 
particularly observable in the management of the proceedings at the Arsenal. Not- 
withstanding the presence of an immense and impatient crowd, the entire square was 
kept perfectly cleared by the police and a detachment of cavalry, until the arrival of 
the procession, and no difficulty was experienced in deploying it for the ceremonies. 

As the procession entered the square another salute was fired by the battery. 

The 65th and 74th Regiments were formed on the left front ; the Fire Depart- 
ment on the right; the Twenty-First moving up between in line of battle to the 
platform, erected against the north front of the Arsenal, with the Independent 
Military Companies in the rear. The officers of the Twenty- First then advanced 
from the line to the steps of the platform, when they were addressed by acting Mayor 
Beckwith, as follows : 

MR. beckwith' S SPEECH. 

Welcome Colonel ! Welcome Officers! Soldiers of the brave, the steady, the 
inflexible and now all glorious Twenty-First, the heart of a grateful people, bids you 
welcome. The municipality of Buffalo hails your return with public thanks; a 
hundred thousand souls to-day exult together at your coming. The aged and the 
venerable amongst us approach with tearful pride to bless you. The young hasten 
with quickening joy to give greeting. The fair and the beautiful of the city are 
bearing garlands for the brave. The schools and public institutions come in bodies, 
to make their offerings of gratitude and honor. The busy hum of industry ceases ; 
the votaries of gain forget their worship ; labor, for a season, unbends its exacting 
task; even august justice bars her temple to-day, to join in the universal homage due 
to men who have perilled their lives in the service of their country. 

Soldiers, no triumphal entry of the most renowned Conqueror of ancient Rome, 
ever equalled in moral grandeur that ovation of the heart which a grateful community 
renders you this day. 



346 CHRONICLES OF THE 

The remarkable exhibition of jniblic pride and public respect which you here 
behold, honors you, not merely as brave men, but as men brave in a noble cause ; not as 
the obedient followers of some conquering hero, but as the self prompted heroes of 
nine contested fields, where the fate of your country was sought to be decided ; not 
as veterans of the battle field alone, but as men who, upon the perilous march, in the 
performance of the irksome duties of the camp, everywhere, upon all occasions have 
covered yourselves with imperishable glory and reflected lustre upon the name and 
character of the city of your origin. The cause in which you have been engaged is 
emphatically the cause of your country. When, two years ago, the tocsin tolled the 
alarm throughout the land, that the noble fabric of Constitutional liberty erected by 
your fathers was in danger, with an appreciate sense of the value of good and wise 
government, you were among the first to rush to arms and to face the perils of war, 
not for any emolument for yourselves, but in the noble endeavor to preserve for 
posterity those institutions which the wisdom of your ancestors provided for you. 
This was noble action, this was heroic action. This is patriotism, this is genuine 
patriotism. In my humble judgment, to the reflecting mind, conduct like this attains 
unto the sublime. It is exalted conduct moving upon a principle ; conduct which in 
all times, in every age, throughout the world, must attract the admiration and secure 
[he approving judgment of universal mankind. 

One reflection only clouds this glorious occasion. Among this vast concourse 
of people who surround you, stand many with mourning hearts, who vainly glance 
along your lines in search of familiar faces and familiar forms. Let us hope that those 
of your number who have fallen, whether upon the field of battle, or overcome by 
the enemy's chief ally — that devouring python which lurks in concealing cloud and 
vapor, amid the malarious swamps, along the deadly water courses of the South — 
the once friendly, now implacable South — have not died in vain. Let us trust that 
in the mysterious economy of an inscrutable Providence, their deaths may be conse- 
crated to the attainment of that grand conclusion in the affairs of our country, for 
which they braved the dangers of war, and surrendered, some of them, even in the 
charmed period of auspicious youth, their tenures upon life. 

But soldiers, you have returned not only to the reception of public honors, but 
to seek the communion of those nearer and dearer to you. Even while I am 
addressing you, I know that hallowed voices are whispering to your hearts of home, 
wife, children, parents, kindred. I am admonished not to trespass by extended 
remarks upon the sacred demands of an hour like this. 

Once more then, officers and soldiers of the noble Twenty-First, in the name 
of the people of Buftalo, whom you have honored, I bid you welcome. Welcome! 
Welcome ! Welcome to the enviable rewards of public respect and lasting public 
gratitude. 

The feelings of the assemblage broke out in cheers, at the conclusion of the 
address, and when these subsided. Colonel Rogers made reply in substantially the 
following language, the pressure and tumult rendering it difficult to report his 
heartfelt words : 

COLONEL ROGERS' REPLY. 

I have no words in which to express my gratitude for a reception so grand, so 
far exceeding my expectation as this. The magnitude of the demonstration has taken 
from me the power of speech. You have praised us for the service we have 



TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 347 

performed. We have only done our duty — a duty which every citizen owes to a 
government whose blessings he enjoys. When that government is in danger it is 
but just that those whom it has protected should go forth in its defence ; such was 
the position in which we placed ourselves two years ago. We have endeavored to 
do our duty, and now that it is ended we feel amply repaid for the toil of long 
marches, the hardships of the bivouac and the peril of the battle field, in the fact 
that at last we are at home and looking in the faces of those whom we love. It is 
sufficient for us that you have expressed, in so magnificent a manner, the joy you feel 
at our return, and that we are able to say to you that we have done our duty. 

In the name of the regiment, I thank you all for this splendid reception. 

Three rousing cheers were again given for the Twenty-First. 

THE RETURN OF THE FLAG TO THE CENTRAL .SCHOOL. 

The gloriously dilapidated old flag of the Twenty-First, torn, tattered, scarred 
and blood stained, was now brought forward by Colonel Rogers, and returned to its 
original donors, the young ladies of the Central School, who occupied the platform. 
It was gracefully received, in behalf of the school, by Miss Julia K. Paddock, who 
responded to the brief but eloquent speech of the Colonel, as follows: 

MISS paddock's address. 

Soldiers and Friends : — You need no public demonstration to assure you 
of your welcome. You know that we are happy to have you among us again. That 
we are proud of the honor you have achieved. Two years ago, in the beautiful spring 
time, when the trees were budding, the birds singing, the flowers bursting into bloom, 
you left us with the flag of our country in your hands, — the love of that flag in your 
hearts. How nobly you have sustained your principles — how bravely you have 
defended that flag — your war-scarred visages — your decimated ranks and many a 
kindly face and noble heart lying on the battle fields of Antietam and Bull Run, bear 
evidence. Soldiers of the Twenty-First Regiment, we are proud of you as a regiment, 
we honor and respect you as men. You have proved yourselves actors, not talkers, 
when your country and your duty called you. There are proud hearts and glad 
hearts in this assemblage to-day, but there are many sorrowful hearts also. Many 
of our young men went forth to the battle fields — but few have returned. We 
sincerely mourn the loss of our gallant dead, but there is consolation mingled with 
our sorrow. Voluntarily they laid their lives upon their country's altar ; God 
accepted the sacrifice, and early and honorable their career has closed. Their names 
are recorded as lovers of our country. Their memory shall be sacredly preserved 
among us. Soldiers! The Queen of the Lakes is proud of her honored sons. 
God's own beautiful day smiles down upon us, and even old Erie ripples out gladness 
and welcomes on every wave. Better, far better, than all, you have within your own 
hearts the consciousness of a duty well performed, to your manhood, your country, 
and your God. 

You have returned with the old flag. We feel assured that you will protect — 
revere it. It could remain in no worthier hands. 

Miss Paddock performed her part in this beautiful ceremony with exquisite 
grace, and no incident of the reception was more happy in effect. She was appi'o- 
priately attired to represent the Goddess of Liberty, and the company of young 
ladies surrounding her were all in white, with tri-colored scarfs upon their shoulders. 



348 CHRONICLES OF THE 

Immediately upon tlie conclusion of the responsive address, the fair choir, under the 
leadership of Mr. Everett L. Baker, broke into singing the " Star Spangled Banner," 
and the vast crowd hushed its murmurings to listen. Cheers followed, and the 
doors of the Arsenal were now thrown open to admit the tired heroes of the occasion, 
to the feast prepared for them by the good ladies of the city. 

THE COLLATION. 

Busy hands had been at work all day, making hasty preparations for refreshing 
the travel-wearied regiment, and long tables were burdened with every imaginable 
delicacy, in abundance enough to have sated a thousand men, while a host of fair 
attendants were in waiting to serve the bountiful repast. When the regiment had 
entered the room and formed at the tables it was briefly and appropriately welcomed 
by Dr. Lord, in behalf of the ladies. All ceremony then ceased, and the next half 
hour was delightfully spent in the enjoyment of the good things set forth upon the 
tables and in the exchanging of congratulations of friends. The warmth and 
earnestness of the greetings to be witnessed .on every hand — the nervous hand 
clasping and the fervent " God bless you's" — were deeply affecting. The subject of it 
all were full to the brim with emotion ; their bronzed faces shone with happy 
excitement, and their eyes glistened with a moisture which it seemed hard for them 
to keep from gathering into tears. Meanwhile a delightful accompaniment to the 
happy scene was furnished by the Continental Glee Club and the Union Cornet Band, 
alternately, singing and playing the national airs and patriotic songs. When justice 
had been done to the ladies' collation, Colonel Rogers dismissed the regiment with 
the welcome announcement to men and officers, that they were at entire liberty for 
three days, but were required to report at the Arsenal on Thursday afternoon, at four 
o'clock, when, we suppose, the formalities of mustering out will be gone through 
with. 

So terminated the proceedings of an occasion more magnificent in its outward 
features, and grander in its moral aspect, than Buffalo ever saw in all her previous 
history. We have but feebly depicted it — the thousand incidents which contribute to 
its sublime effect, and wrought the intense emotion connected with it, could not be 
caught by the rejiorting pencil, and cannot I^e preserved, as we wish they might be, 
for history. 



And, from morn till night, the street 

Knows the sound of marching feet 
Where they come, battle burnt, dusty footed, grim and brown, 

And battered eagles born 

On the tattered banners, torn 
In many a fearful fight, sweep thro' all the town. 

They have come, they have come. 

Hush, the bugle and the drum, 
There is peace in our borders and content in all the land. 

And 'tis given, for a sign 

That the sword shall prune the vine, 
And the spear guide the ox, where our garnered sheaves shall stand. 






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1862, for wounds at Bull Run. 
Disability, Feb. 13, 1863, at Convalescent 

Camp, Alexandria, by Lt. Col McKclvy. 
Disability, Feb. 14, 1863, at Convalescent 

Camp, Alexandria, by l,t. Col. McKelvy. 
For minority, Sept. 17, '61, at Arlington, by 

order of Adj. Gen. Thomas. 
For disability, on Surg, cert,, Sept. 11, '61. 
For disability, on Surg, cert , Sept. 11, '61. 
For disability, on Surgeon's certificate, July 

2, '62, at Upton's Hill, Va. 
Nov. 26, 1862, for disability, occasioned by 

wounds received at Antietam, Sept. 17, '62 


[then transferred to band 
Private till July 26, '61; then Corp. till Oct. i; 
Transf'd in arrest per order Gen. McDow'l 
'Tr.uisf'd to Co."E" Sept. 10, '61 [Aug.21'61 




[of typhoid fever at Sm'k'wn, Oct. 31, '62 
Private till July 26, '61; Corp till Oct. 20; died 
Died of disease at Upton's Hill, Va., Sept. 4,62 
Died of disease at Stanton general hospital, 

Washington, Dec, Feb. 14. 1863. 
Priv.till Oct. 20, '61, -killed in action at Ant'm 
K'ld in ch'g at At'tm.Sep.17,'62 [Sep. 17, 62 
Killed in action at Memphis, June 18, '62, on 

board gunboat Mound City. 
Died of wounds rec'd at B'l Run, Aug. 30, '62, 

at Fairfax hosp. Alex., Va ,Sept. 16, '62. 
Killed in action at Antietam, September 

17 1862. 


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May 20, '61 
Oct. 17, '61 
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Lawrence, John 

Moore, Stoughton C. 

Nason, Edgar 

Newcomb, Harding 
Shaffer, Jean 
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Estabrook. Joseph M. 
Farley, John 
Munroe, William 


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Field, Myron H. 
Kritcher, Adolph 
Geisen, Reinhard 

King, Simeon 
Burdick, Charles K. 
Morgan, George W. 

Richardson, Jasper F. 

Sprague, Charles E. 



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ist Lieut, from enrollment to Aug. 9, 1862 ; 

wounded at Bull Run. 
2d Lieut, from enrollment to Aug. 9, 1862; 


wounded at Antietam. [to Aug. 9, '62. 

Serg. from enrollment to ; then ist Serg. 

[ ; wounded at Bull Run. 

Corp. from enrollment ; Col. Serg. to 

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to ; wounded at Antietam. 

Private from enrollment to •; then Corp. 

to Feb. 8, '63. [to Feb. 14, '63. 

Private from eniollment to ; then Corp. 

Private from enrollment to Aug. 30, '62; 

w'nded in head at Antietam, Sept. 17, '62. 
Priv. from enrollment to Aug. 30, '62; w'ded 

in both legs at Bull Run, Aug. 30, '02. 
Private from enrollment to Dec. 13, '62. 
Wounded August 30, 1863. 
Private from enrollment to July 5, '62 ; then 

Corp. to Jan. 20, '63 ; then private to Feb. 

14, 1863. 


[30 ; ret. to duty Apr. 5, "63. 
Straggled Sept. 9, '62; rep. as deserter Sept. 
Drummer from enr'ment to Feb. 27, '63, then 
Sent to hosp. from Sharpsb'g,Md. [private. 

[Y. v., August 21, i86i. 
Joined by transfer from Co. "D" 21st N. 


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Capt. Elliott 
Li. Sturgeon 
Lt. Cutting 
Capt. Elliott 

Lt. Cutting 
Capt. Elliott 




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Sept. 23, '61 
May 20, '61 
April 2, '62 
Nov. 4, '61 
May 20, '61 

Oct. 18, '61 
May 20, '61 


Joined for service and enrolled at general rendezvous. 
Commencement of first payment by time. 


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A. M. Wheeler 
W. H. Drew 
P. C. Doyle 
A. M. Wheeler 
W.C Alberger 
Levi Vallier 
A. M. Wheeler 


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May f, '61 
April 3, '62 
Nov. 4, '61 
May 8, '61 

Oct. 16, '61 
May 8, '61 


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Bishop, Thomas W. 
Hengerer, William 
Towne, Joshua G. 

Howard, John H. 


Brand, George P. 

Parker, Benjamin 
Beyer, Louis P. 

Hanes, Frederick 
I'apey, Henry 
(Jibson, John A. 

Schloegl, Francis 


Anding, Adam 
Bidwell, David H 
Bid well, Theodore D. 
Bodamer, John A. 
Bommell, August 
Brand, Edgar 
Broughton, Michael 
Buchanan, Chas. A. 
Cole, John 
Devening, Wm. F. 
Donaldson, Hugh 
Dyer, Charles H. 



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REMARKS. 




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scharged for disability, Aug. 2g, '6i, by 
orderof Gen. McDowell, 
scharged for disability, June 30, 'fn, by 
arder of Gen. Mansfield, 
sc. at Upton's Hill, Va., Nov. 28, '61. by 
arder Gen. McClellan, ex. 3 nios. term, 
sc. at LIpton's Hill, Va., Dec. 12, '61, dis- 
ability, "Melancholia." 
sc. Nov. 29, "62, at Phil., dis. occasioned 
jy wd's rec'd at Bull Run, Aug. 30, '62. 
sc. by order Col. Rogers, July, 23, '61, 
dis. from effects gun shot wound. 


[Killed at Hull Run. 
Trans, as 2d Lt. to Co. " K " 21st N.Y. S.V. 
Transferred as 2d. Lieut, to 49th N. Y. S. V. 
Transferred as 2d Lieut to 90th N. Y. S. V. 
Prom, to Sergt.; trans, as 2d Lt. to Co " K " 

2ist N. Y. S. v., April29, '62. 
Sergt. to Aug. 9, '62 ; ist Sgt. to Feb. 8, "63; 

transf'd to Co. "P' 21st, 2d Lt. W'd Fdks'bg 
Trans. July 23, '61, by order Sec. of War, to 

join Pot. Flotilla as Mast. Mate. 
Trans. May 25, '62, by order Sec. of War, to 

New York Marine Artillery. 
Priv. en. to Dec. i, '61, Corp.; trans, as Sgt. 

to Co. " I " ; re-trans. " B " Apr. 6, '63. 
Priv. from enr. to Sept. 10, '62 ; then made 

Sergt. Maj. in 21st N. Y. S. V. 


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Lt. Cutting 
Capt. Elliott 


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Oct. 25, '61 
May 20, '61 


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W. L. Elliott 
A. M. Wheeler 
P. C. Doyle 
A. AL Wheeler 


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Elmira, N. Y. 
Buffalo, N. Y. 


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ist Sgt. 
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Ingraham, William G. 
Owens, (leorge W. 
Schoeck, Frederick 
Taggart, Robert 
Van Ornam, Edward 
Warriner, Fayette H. 

TRANSIRKKED. 


Mulligan, James S. 
Bidwell, Charles H. 
Mulligan, Greig H. 
Halsey, Henry H. 

Gardner, Gayer 

Harris, Arnold 

Maynard, Henry .A. 

Watson, George H. 

Burt, William J. 

DIED. 


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tion at Bull Run 
ion at Bull Run 
ion at Bull Run, 
18, '62, of woun 
Sept. 17, 1862. 
shington, Sept. i 
t Bull Run, Aug 
sp. opposite Fre 
ver, May 8, 1862 
p. at Fredcricksb 
e 30, 1862. 
sp. at Annapolis 
at Bull Run, Au 
p. at Alexandria 
ec'd. Bull Run, 


hile strag., Aug. 
ever reported for 
n. 17, '62, from U 
ptember 13, 1861 
Arlington Heigh 




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iftcr battle of Antietam at Smoke- 
spital, Md. 

Battle Bull Run and S. Mount'n. 
d at Antietam Sept. 17, '62. 


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;d for bravery in every battle or 
in which theRegiment took part. 

ed for bravery in every battle or 
in which the Regiment took part, 
battles of South Mountain, An- 

ud Fredericksburg. 

as guard at Brigade Headquarters 

le I. "62, to Tan i, '63. 


as engineer on Western gunboat 
Feb. 14, '62. 

f Bull Run, Aug. 30, Taken sick 
sferred to Hospital Department, 
assisted the regimental w'nded in 
ttle in which they took part. 


f Fred'ksb'g Dec. 13,14, & 15, 62. 

d for brav. in every skirm'h or bat. 

in Regimental Hosp. Dept. 

in Regimental Hosp, Dept. 

as teamster. 

isp. from Aug. 9, '62 to Mar. 8, 63. 

bat. Fred'ksbg. On detach'dduty. 

every engagement. Wounded at 

J. Sept. 17, '62. 

from Hosp. to go into ac at S. Mt 
'62. W'nded severely at Ant'm. 
62 [tion of term. 


osp. from July 1, '62, till e.xpira- 
battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, '62. 
from Hosp. Sept. i, '62. In bat. 

ountain, Antietam and Fredks'bg. 


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Detached for Regi'l Quartermaster's Dept. 

In Bat's South Mfn, Antietam & Fred'ksbg. 
iln every engagement which Reg. took part. 
lln every engagm't prior to Fred'ksbg. Sick 
1 in hospital at time of that battle. 


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:ksburg. 
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3St Guard, 
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Gen. Wadswor 
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ration of term. 

23, '61, by ord 
ration of term. 

23, '61 by ord 


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: Fort Ruiiyon, Va., Aug. 14, '61. Disa 
; Ft. McHenry, ftld., Sept. 26, 62. Disa 
" Camp Rogers," Upton Hill, Va.,No 
23, '61. Expiration of term. 




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hes along the Ra 
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hes along the Ra 
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. & skirmishes pi 
ihes along the Ra 
without leave froi 
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hosp. Sept. I, '6: 
sp. from Rap. St 


il ftlarch 1, 1863. 
,hes along the Ra 
lountain and Fre 
ihes along the Ra 
lountain. Woun 
sp. from Frederic 


Uet. from hosp. as Provi 
ith the Co. in all battles 1 
et. from Co. as Ord'ly to 
battle of Fred'ksburg, D 
62, and skirmishes on the 


ima, D. C, July 
1 Buffalo," Arling 
1862. ftlinority, 
Hill, Va., Jan. i. 
Hill, Va., (Jet. 


adsworth. l-,xpi 
Hill, Va., Nov. 

adsworth. Expi 
Hill, Va., Nov. 








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[then Sgt. Killed at Bull Run, Aug. 30, '62. 
Private to July i, '61 ; Corp. to Feb. 16, '62 ; 
Died in hosp. at Alexandria, Va., Apr. 2, '62. 
Killed in charge at Antietam, Sept. 17, '62. 
Killed m first charge at Bull Run,Aug.3o,"62. 
Killed in first charge at Bull Run, Aug.30,'62. 
Killed while bearing the col's at B'l R'n,Aug. 
Killed in ch'g at Ant'm. Sep. 17, '62. [30, '62. 
Killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1S62. 


[Bull Run and Chantilly. 
Aug. 9, '62, after batts. of the Rappahannock, 
Dec. 5, '62. Returned undei Prest. Procla- 
Sept. 2, '61. [mation, April 5, 1863. 
Dec. 9, 1862. 
Nov. 24, 1861. 

April I, 1862. [to duty. 
Dec. g, '62. Arrested Feb, 12, '63. Returned 
Nov. g, 1861. [to duty. 
Dec. 9, '62. Arrested Feb. 12, '63. Returned 


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Capt. Baker 
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Buffalo 
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May 20, '61 

Sept. 12, '61 
May 20, '61 










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Sept. 12, '61 
May 8, '61 










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Brainard, John M. 
Chase, Abner W. 
Coan, Michael J. 
Gasser, Tobias 
Montague, Marion O. 
Sheldon, Daniel H. 
Sheldon, Ira Jay 
Shoop, William 


DESERTED. 

Bailey, Alonzo D. 
Brooks, Henry W. 
Glynn, William 
Howson, James 
Kneeland^ James 
Kepler, Louis 
Prior, Edward 
Rice, Charles B. 
Smith, Fernando. 





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Promoted Major 21st N. Y. V., Dec. 8, '62. 
Wounded at, Bull Run, Aug. 30, '62. 

Promoted, from ist Lt. to Capt. Dec. 8, '62. 
Wounded at Bull Run, Aug. 30, '62. 

Promot'd from 2d Lt., Feb. 22, '63. Dis. Oct. 
31, in accordance with gen order No. 100. 
Reinstat'd & recomp'nsd with rankfr. 31st. 

Promoted from ist Sgt., Feb. 22, '63. Dis- 
missed March 2, 1863. 

Prom'd Sgt. Oct. i, 61 ; ist Sgt. Feb. 22, '63. 
W'nded at battle of F'dks'bg Dec. 13, '63. 

Wounded at battle of Antietan, Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted Sergt. May 30, i86i. 

Promoted Sergt., Jan. 17, 1863. ['63. 

Prom'd Corp., Sept. 17, '62 ; Sergt. Feb. 18, 

Promoted Corp'l, Feb. 18, 1863. 

Promoted Corp'l, Feb. 18, 1863. 

Promoted Corp'l, Feb. i8, 1863. 

Promoted Corp'l, April i, 1863. 


W'nded at battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, '62. 
W'nded at battle of Bull Run, Aug. 30, '62. 
W'nded at battle of Antietam, Sept 17, '62, 
(slightly). 

W'nded at battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, '62. 
W'nded at battle of Bull Run, Aug. 30, '62. 

W'nded at battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, '62. 
W'nded slightly at Bull Run, Aug. 30, '62. 

W'nded and taken prisoner at battle of Bull 

Run, Aug. 30, '62. 
W'nded at battle of Bull Run, Aug. 30, '62. 


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Myers, Daniel, Jr. 
Bergtold, Jacob E. 

Clark, Martin, R. 


Bump, Job 

Williamson, John 
Bidwell, John S. 
McClure, Leonard 
Smith, Peter 
Wirt, Peter 
Leonard, Valentine 
King, David H. 
Spaulding, Newell 


Bader, Alois 
Beaton, James 
Beckerich, Joseph 
Bercher, Andrew 
Bruner, John 
Crapo, William 
Cross, George E. 
Daggell, Edward 
Davoe, Amos 
Fick, Henry, 
Fitzpatrick, William 
Fox, Walter M. 
Fritcher, John H. 
Gerger, Nicholas 
Godfrey, Stafford J. 



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Ri|>-Kaps.Aug. 20, '61, 
[for mutiny. 

March 4, '62, of con- 

,se Hosp., Ale,\., .Aug, 
;ver. 

Gov, wagon, Aug. ig, 
, Va. 

near Antietani, while 

■62. 

ey"s Cross Roads, Va. 
of Bull Run. 
near New Balto., Va, 
near (jroveton, Va, 
ear Kredericksb'g,Va, 
near New Balto., Va. 


Trans in arrest to the 

Died at Upton's Hill 

gestion of the lungs 
Died at Mansion Hoi 

20, '62, of ty))h .id f 
Killed by upsetting of 

'62, near Cedar Mt. 
Died from exhaustion 

on march, .Sept, 17, 

April I, '62, near Bail 
Aug- 3o> '62, at battle 
Aug, 28, '62, on march 
Aug. 29, '62, on march 
Dec. 1 1, '62, on march 1 
Aug. 28, '62, on march 


MUSTERED IN'JO SERVICE, 


S 

-C 


Capt, Elliott 

Lieut, Cutting, 
Capt, Elliott 


li 
5: 


Elmira 

Kingston 
Buffalo 

Elmira 


When, 
May 20, '61 

Sept, 8, '61 
Oct, 4, '61 
Oct. 14, '61 
May 20, '61 


ed at general rendezvous, 
t payment by time. 


Period. 
Unxpd tm 

Un.\pd tm 
2 years 


05 


1 -^ i - 1 


J, M, I 

Cpt.Va 
1 cvi V 

J, M, i 


ervice and enrol 
lencement of firs 


-C 


Buffalo, N, Y, 

Kingston, N,V, 
Buffalo, N, Y 


Joined for s 
Comn 




April 23, '61 

Sept. 8, '61 
Oct, 4, '61 
Oct, 14, '61 
April 23, '6i 


.-3Q,rr |COMCT^CN'-'000O\"'-CO000 - C\ - ^ O^mQ fOOO 1 


Rank, 
Private 

C.;rp, 
Private 

Corp, 
Private 


NAMES, 


u 
u 


Johnson, Henry 
King, Frederick 
King, Christopher 
Lee, Joseph, 
Miller, Joseph 
McKane, James P. 
IMoriaii, Charles 
Norris, Ethelbert 
Porter, Nelson 
Spurier, Einley 
Salisbury, Austin 
Taylor, James 
\Vinslow Heniger 

UIEU ANU KILLED IN 
ACTION, 

Wilson, James 
Powell, David C. 
Alexander, Joseph 
Hcllfinger, J .hn 

UESEK TEU, 

Hurley, James 
Steinwagle, Christian 
Kelley, James O, 
Prytjr, Joseph W, 
Klein, Conrad 
Watson, William H, 



